Linking child welfare and mental health using trauma-informed screening and assessment practices

Lisa Conradi, Jeffrey Wherry, Cassandra Kisiel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

An abundance of research suggests that children in the child welfare system (CWS) have experienced numerous traumatic events and are exhibiting traumatic stress symptoms. Therefore, it is critical that the CWS work closely with the mental health system to ensure that these children receive the appropriate trauma screening, trauma-focused assessment, and referral to the appropriate trauma-focused mental health services. This paper will begin by providing a concrete definition of trauma-focused screening and highlighting how that differs from a more comprehensive trauma-focused assessment process and a psychological evaluation. From there, the authors will highlight existing trauma-focused screening and assessment tools that are used widely within CWSs and the challenges related to integrating traumafocused screening practices into CWSs. The authors will provide recommendations for ways in which child welfare jurisdictions can integrate trauma-focused screening practices into their daily practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)129-147
Number of pages19
JournalChild Welfare
Volume90
Issue number6
StatePublished - Dec 1 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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