Poster #38

Outcomes of a Trauma-Informed Training and Support Program for Residential Care Workers Implemented in a Time of Transition and Turmoil.

By: Lise Milne, MSW, Ph.D. Co-authored by Alexandra Paiva.

Abstract:

PURPOSE: To support residential care workers (RCWs) through a training program to understand and implement principles of trauma-informed care (TIC), thereby enhancing resilience for youth and RCWs. MAIN POINTS: Growing evidence confirms the need for RCWs to understand and practice TIC principles with youth to support safety, self-regulation, and resilience enhancement. Concurrently, RCWs must feel supported in applying TIC principles; many RCWs, including the participants in this research project, have experienced their own childhood adversity as well as the impacts of their challenging work, which have been exacerbated by COVID-19. A 2-day interactive training accompanied by 8 follow-up monthly consultations was co-developed and -delivered to 20 RCWs with the agency clinical specialist. The program was inspired by the Attachment, Self-Regulation, Competency (ARC) framework, brain development principles, and support and self-care strategies. Implementation was adapted in several ways due to a number of challenging conditions. FINDINGS: Two focus groups with RCWs and agency leaders and clinical staff revealed the following themes: 1) the importance of providing a safe and consistent space for youth and workers to facilitate TIC provision; 2) appreciation of the collaboratively developed training program format specifically dedicated to RCWs, especially the follow-up consultation sessions; 3) adaptability and sustainability of the training program; and 4) focus on staff wellness through personal, professional, and organizational strategies, thus reducing stigma around mental health. CONCLUSION: While COVID-19 and myriad unanticipated organizational pressures impacted the RCWs' ability to fully implement training principles and activities, they were nonetheless very engaged in the program and have increased TIC practice within the units. This study highlights the training program’s impact and utility as an adaptable model for future in-house training and support that has the potential to lead to positive outcomes for trauma-impacted children and RCWs alike.

lise milne

I am an Assistant Professor in the University of Regina Faculty of Social Work and a Research Chair in Intervention and Prevention Approaches Supporting Child and Youth Health and Well-Being. My current research projects relate to resilience-, trauma-, and violence-informed practices in child-serving organizations; accessible knowledge mobilization (childtraumaresearch.ca); child welfare data; and the neurobiological impacts of trauma. I worked in the field of child welfare for 15 years and have been involved in University-community research projects for the past 14 years. I have contributed to the field through Board and Steering Committee membership for non-profit sexual and intimate partner violence organizations; numerous knowledge translation and mobilization initiatives; teaching; and through student and research assistant training and support.