Complex trauma and mental health in children and adolescents placed in foster care: Findings from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Date
2011
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Child Welfare
Abstract
Many children in the child welfare system (CWS) have histories of
recurrent interpersonal trauma perpetrated by caregivers early in life
often referred to as complex trauma. Children in the CWS also experience
a diverse range of reactions across multiple areas of functioning
that are associated with such exposure. Nevertheless, few CWSs
routinely screen for trauma exposure and associated symptoms
beyond an initial assessment of the precipitating event. This study
examines trauma histories,including complex trauma exposure (physical
abuse,sexual abuse, emotional abuse,neglect, domestic violence),
posttraumatic stress, and behavioral and emotional problems of 2,251
youth (age 0 to 21; M 9.5, SD 4.3) in foster care who were
referred to a National Child Traumatic Stress Network site for treatment.
High prevalence rates of complex trauma exposure were
observed: 70.4% of the sample reported at least two of the traumas
that constitute complex trauma; 11.7% of the sample reported all
5 types. Compared to youth with other types of trauma, those with
complex trauma histories had significantly higher rates of internalizing
problems, posttraumatic stress, and clinical diagnoses, and differed
on some demographic variables.Imp
Description
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Article
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Keywords
complex trauma, child welfare, posttraumatic stress, child maltreatment
Citation
Greeson, J. K., Briggs, E. C., Kisiel, C. L., Layne, C. M., Ake III, G. S., Ko, S. J., ... & Fairbank, J. A. (2011). Complex trauma and mental health in children and adolescents placed in foster care: Findings from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Child welfare, 90(6), 91.