What we're asking in child welfare

What facilitates the introduction of a trauma-informed behavioral health screen within a child and family services agency and can it benefit children in state care?

Research has shown that youth in the child welfare system are at considerably greater risk of a multitude of mental, behavioral, and physical health disorders, compared to their counterparts in the general population. The American Academy of Pediatrics identifies a “history of complex or ongoing trauma” as a primary contributing factor to these adverse outcomes. In response to a growing awareness of the negative impact of trauma on child wellbeing, child placement, and adoption stability, there has been increased emphasis on understanding and addressing trauma within the child welfare system.  

Through a collaboration with state agencies and local universities, PRG’s research examines the complexities of and outcomes associated with implementing new trauma-informed screening and referral procedures within the Louisiana child welfare system.