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Exploring the effects of a graduate level trauma-informed care education program for child welfare professionals

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  • Lotty, Maria
  • O’Shea, Tadgh
  • Frederico, Margarita
  • Kearns, Noreen

Abstract

The national child welfare agency in Ireland identified the integration of trauma-informed practices as a service need, in the current significantly challenging practice climate. A promising program that meets the need of child welfare professionals to support need has been developed and is reported on in this paper. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a newly developed post-graduate level trauma-informed care program for professionals in the national child welfare agency in Ireland. Study participants were 41 child welfare professionals that included front-line practitioners, supervisors, and senior managers. A pretest–posttest study design was used, data was collected over three-time points to measure the effects of the program on pre-defined outcomes of Trauma-informed Knowledge, Professional Self-efficacy, Professional Quality of Life, and Intention to Leave. Statistically significant positives effects were found in trauma-informed knowledge, professional confidence, burn-out and compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, with effect sizes ranging from medium-large to large (η2=.133toη2=.721) across the intervention time period. The positive impacts arising from the program were sustained for 3 months post-intervention. The results of this initial evaluation are promising in supporting child welfare professionals’ capacity to integrate trauma-informed practices and addressing the need for trauma informed practitioners. The need for further research is highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Lotty, Maria & O’Shea, Tadgh & Frederico, Margarita & Kearns, Noreen, 2024. "Exploring the effects of a graduate level trauma-informed care education program for child welfare professionals," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:163:y:2024:i:c:s0190740924003931
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107821
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kenny, Maureen C. & Vazquez, Alejandro & Long, Haiying & Thompson, Dawn, 2017. "Implementation and program evaluation of trauma-informed care training across state child advocacy centers: An exploratory study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 15-23.
    2. Conners-Burrow, Nicola A. & Kramer, Teresa L. & Sigel, Benjamin A. & Helpenstill, Kathy & Sievers, Chad & McKelvey, Lorraine, 2013. "Trauma-informed care training in a child welfare system: Moving it to the front line," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(11), pages 1830-1835.
    3. Lushin, Victor & Katz, Colleen C. & Julien-Chinn, Francie J. & Lalayants, Marina, 2023. "A burdened workforce: Exploring burnout, job satisfaction and turnover among child welfare caseworkers in the era of COVID-19," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    4. Park, Taekyung & Pierce, Barbara, 2020. "Impacts of transformational leadership on turnover intention of child welfare workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
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