Reed, K. L.2017-08-032017-08-032016Reed, K. L. (2016). The effect of complex trauma on children in the child welfare system: Exploring the relationship between complex trauma, placement, and behavior using secondary data analysis (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Alabama).https://ir.ua.edu/bitstream/handle/123456789/2807/file_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yhttp://hdl.handle.net/11212/3463This study used secondary data analysis to both identify and evaluate children with complex trauma who have interacted with the child protective services system. The study addressed a current gap in the literature by conducting secondary data analysis with this specific population. By using the NSCAW I dataset, two groups of children, one defined as complextrauma likely and the other as not likely as complex trauma, were established. There was a significant difference between the average CBCL scores of externalizing behavior between the two groups. Additionally, for the complex trauma-likely specific population, disruptions in foster care placement had a statistically significant effect on externalizing behavior. Finally, a better understanding of the interaction of the variables of complex trauma, number of placements, and behavior was explored by using linear regression analysis.en-UScomplex traumachild welfareexternalizing behaviorsplacementevaluationresearchArticle