Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Residential Mental Health Settings for Youth

Abstract Most adults have experienced traumatic events (SAMHSA, 2017). Late-life traumas may compound upon trauma histories (Maschi, et al., 2013), accentuating the risks confronting older adults. Per CMS’ updated Requirements for Participation, nursing homes (NHs) must implement trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches, effective November 2019. Many NHs do not staff Masters of Social Work (MSWs), despite their expertise in providing mental health care. Notwithstanding, employed MSWs feel unprepared to help their NHs implement TIC. This presentation discusses findings from a national survey of NH social service directors (N = 932). Results showed 71% (n = 650) reported moderate to strong interest in TIC training. A Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed a statistically significant difference in TIC training interest χ2(1) = 43.690, p < .001, such that MSWs reported higher interest (M = 486.47) than non-MSWs (M = 375.23). There was no difference between those with and without a Bachelor of Social Work.

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Identifying Trauma-Related and Mental Health Needs: The Implementation of Screening in California’s Child Welfare Systems

Advances in Social Work ◽

10.18060/21278 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 335-348 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brent R. Crandal ◽

Andrea L. Hazen ◽

Jennifer Rolls Reutz

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Child Welfare ◽

Health Needs ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Mental Health Needs ◽

Screening Process ◽

Trauma Informed Care ◽

History Of ◽

Trauma Informed ◽

State Of The Science

A central aspect of trauma-informed care in child welfare (CW) systems is the use of a trauma-informed screening process. This includes the use of a broadly administered measurement approach to assist professionals in identifying current trauma-related symptomology or a history of potentially traumatizing events. With a high prevalence of unmet mental health needs among CW-involved children, screening can be a crucial step as systems strive to identify children impacted by trauma. This paper offers a summary of CW screening approaches in county-administered CW systems across California. Through a web-administered survey, 46 county administrators reported on their screening practices and perceptions. Information about ages of children screened and screening tools used, perceptions of screening implementation priorities, degree of implementation and satisfaction with screening processes is provided. Several implementation considerations for future trauma-informed care efforts are offered including maintaining a focus on childhood trauma, closing the science-practice gap, and evaluating the state of the science.

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Rethinking mental health provision in the secure estate for children and young people: a framework for integrated care (SECURE STAIRS)

Safer Communities ◽

10.1108/sc-07-2018-0019 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 193-201 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jenny Taylor ◽

Lisa Shostak ◽

Andrew Rogers ◽

Paul Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young People ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Content Type ◽

Theoretical Concepts ◽

Record Keeping ◽

Care Plans ◽

Trauma Informed Care ◽

Assessment And Treatment ◽

Trauma Informed

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline the challenges to achieving positive outcomes for young people within the secure estate in England, and introduces a psychologically informed framework, SECURE STAIRS (SS), aimed at improving outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The paper argues that there is a need for a fundamental shift in the way care and intervention for young people within the secure estate is delivered. It gives an overview of current challenges and needs and summarises the theoretical concepts and evidence base which can guide practice and form the foundations of the SS framework. Findings The framework recommends that intervention shift from focussing primarily on individual assessment and treatment to a greater emphasis on supporting the work of the wider system of care. Recommendations include promoting trauma-informed care, a focus on the system dynamics within institutions and how these impact on the care young people receive, and on the collaborative development with residential staff and young people of formulation-led care plans that include a focus on issues of sustainability after leaving the secure estate. Practical implications These include the establishment of discrete residential groupings with truly integrated and trauma-informed work across residential, mental health, education and criminal justice agencies. This involves addressing governance issues around shared record keeping, and challenges to sustainability and the accompanying need for local implementation plans for each establishment alongside central support at a strategic level. Originality/value This paper describes a new and innovative way of working within secure settings to ensure children and young people’s needs are better met.

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