This course addresses six areas of trauma related to child welfare: symptoms as presented throughout the developmental stages, responding to behaviors associated with traumatic events from both the caseworker and caregiver perspective, evidence-based practice in working with trauma victims, case planning with key players in the community and effective intervention strategies for the home and school environments. Additionally, participants gain an overview of attachment and information on resulting effects of trauma on children and youth as well as behavioral and structural interventions to help families and providers move in a positive direction. 

Topics include 

• behaviors associated with trauma and issues of attachment difficulties 
• the impact of trauma on attachment and child development 
• defining and providing examples of evidence-based practice 
• the use of effective intervention strategies with children, youth and families. 
• strategies to encourage attachment and decrease reactivity 
• the importance of attunement parenting and how to communicate this with families

Social workers will explore and engage in experiential activities that will enhance their abilities to effectively address issues associated with trauma.