The strengths and challenges of embedding trauma informed care in child and family service delivery: A Grampians Region case study

This project sought to address a gap in the literature on how trauma informed care is implemented in practice within child and family services in the Australian context. Researchers are social work academics from Federation University and a social work practitioner from Berry Street ‘s Grampians regional office, based in Ballarat. Berry Street is a non-government agency providing child and family services across Victoria.

Using a framework provided by Miseler and Myer (2013) Practical steps to get from trauma aware to trauma informed while creating a healthy, safe and secure environment for children, through 15 qualitative interviews, this research explores practitioners’ perceptions of trauma-informed case management service delivery for children and families in the Grampians Region in Western Victoria. It examines the materials used in Berry Streets’ trauma informed practice, and explores how Berry Street practitioners integrate and embed trauma informed practice in their service delivery. It also identifies barriers to case management within trauma informed care.

Research outcomes will be used to assist Berry Street to plan improvements to trauma informed case management service delivery and to develop research-informed practice frameworks. The AASW grant is enabling a research assistant to assist in data collection, and to support other research processes such as interview transcription and conference attendance.