Abstract

Children and families all over the world experience trauma in all different ways, including abuse, neglect, instability, family separation, or poverty. Trauma-informed care has been critical within the child welfare system emphasizing the need for social workers to understand the impact of trauma as they navigate solutions that promote healing and not retraumatization. This paper examines the role of trauma-informed care within child welfare systems in establishing ethical and social practice focused on the well-being of the children and their families. Deriving from trauma theory, attachment theory, and research on the neurobiology of trauma this paper digs deep into how these traumatic experiences affect children on a deeper level with their behaviors, development, and long-term effects. The principles of trauma- informed care such as safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness all play a crucial role in child welfare practice with assessment, case planning, placement, etc. Additionally, this paper discusses the challenges found within implementing trauma- informed care. Including high caseloads, workforce burnout, limited resources, stress, etc. The role of social workers in advocating for trauma-informed practice is examined as well. Ultimately, this paper argues the importance of trauma-informed practice within the child welfare systems and the resources and training needed in order to see long-term changes for children and families.

Year Manuscript Completed

Spring 2026

Senior Project Advisor

George Barton

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Human Services

Document Type

Thesis

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