A report released recently by the Massachusetts Child Trauma Task Force discusses two years of research on child trauma screening tools, and recommendations for organizations to effectively implement such tools. With research demonstrating that over two-thirds of children report experiencing a traumatic event by age 16, it is vital that child-serving organizations have the tools and training for "trauma-informed response (TIR)"
Some highlights of the report include:
- Recommendations for implementing a TIR approach to child services through identification/screening practices and referrals.
- Opportunities for the Commonwealth to invest in trauma screening, and to increase availability of training for providers and services and supports to youth and families.
- Considerations and recommendations for trauma identification, screening, and interventions in six child serving-sectors (K-12 education, pediatric primary care, early childhood settings, juvenile justice settings, child welfare, and first responder settings.
Read the complete report here.
The Children's League of Massachusetts is a member of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board, which is chaired by the Office of the Child Advocate and manages the Child Trauma Task Force.