The Trauma of Removal and Placement in Child Welfare Services eLearning

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 1

Intended Audience: New and experienced lineworkers and supervisors

Intended Objectives:

• Understand what trauma is and how it affects children of different ages and developmental stages.
• Identify potential trauma to children during removal and out of home placement
• Identify effective practice strategies for reducing the trauma of removal and placement of children

Topics Include:

• Defining trauma, traumatic stress, chronic trauma
• Neurobiology of trauma
• Effects of trauma in children
• Responses of children when removed from primary caregivers
• Research to practice: Tips and Suggestions
• Placement Considerations

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.3 Student demonstrates the ability to conduct an ethnically and culturally competent assessment of a child and family and to develop an effective intervention plan.

3.5 Student demonstrates an understanding of basic child development and how developmental level affects a child’s perception of events, coping strategies and physical and psychological responses to stress and trauma.

3.10 Student understands how attachment, separation, and placement affect a child and family and how these experiences may influence a child’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.

4.3 Student works collaboratively with biological families, foster families, and kin networks, involving them in assessment and planning and helping them access services and develop coping strategies.