Trauma Informed Pathways to the Five Domains of Wellbeing

Date

2016

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Missouri Department of Mental Health

Abstract

Missouri’s Children’s Division is creating a new foundation to shape the work of preventing child abuse and assisting children and families that have experienced child abuse and neglect. The framework of the Five Domains of Wellbeing is being used to promote a universal perspective that identifies the core functions of Social Connectedness, Stability, Safety, Mastery and Meaningful Access to Relevant Resources. These domains are critical for all people and families, not only those served by Children’s Division. How a person meets their needs in each domain may look different depending on family culture, economic status, caregivers’ capacities and family structure to name a few. When moving forward in one domain creates problems in another domain, having wellbeing means that families have enough in place so that they can balance tradeoffs. Trauma is a common thread for children and families involved with Children’s Division. It interrupts wellbeing and also creates significant barriers to increasing wellbeing. Being trauma informed is also foundational to Children’s Division work. Trauma impacts children and families in a multitude of ways. For example, children who have been exposed to high levels of trauma may have changes in their brain structures and functioning that limit the capacities of their brain in the areas of learning, attachment, or emotional and behavioral regulation because their brain’s energy is focused on survival or safety functions. Not only can current trauma impact an individual’s or family’s approach to relationships and the world, but historical and intergenerational trauma continues to impact this. However, trauma doesn’t have to control a person’s future. For child welfare services to actually help families where there has been trauma, we need to attend to the five core principles of Trauma Informed Care. Child welfare staff need to be able to engage parents and children to understand their history, perceptions and needs, and to be active partners in their plan and future, recognizing that engagement may be influenced by a person’s trauma history. This document was created to help integrate the two foundational pieces of Children’s Division as we help keep children and families safe and healthy. Through these actions we can help children and families take new, meaningful and lasting steps within an environment of emotional and physical safety.

Description

Keywords

mental health services, child abuse, evidence-based, research into practice

Citation

Carter , P., & Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division (2016). Trauma Informed Pathways to the Five Domains of Wellbeing. Jefferson City, MO: Missouri Department of Mental Health.

DOI