Questioning the Value of Compliance-Oriented Programs With Traumatized Children and Youth

Abstract

This Viewpoint aims to question the value of compliance-oriented programs’ principles as they apply to traumatized children and youth.

A new era in child maltreatment prevention: call to action

“…Similarly, educational practitioners need to be equipped to provide trauma-informed responses, and avoid harmful responses such as school exclusion, as do those providing services to children and youth involved in child welfare systems. 39 At the individual level, informed by the differential aetiology of maltreatment types, support is needed for parents in prenatal and postnatal periods and in early childhood, and skill development can be embedded within school curricula, such as through programs fostering respectful relationships and sexual abuse prevention. 40 While aimed at maltreatment reduction, framing these efforts as promotion of healthy child development can enhance engagement by parents and other program participants, as well as funding agencies, community stakeholders, and other agencies.…”

“…For example, health practitioners require pre‐service training and ongoing education to identify and treat maltreatment. Similarly, educational practitioners need to be equipped to provide trauma‐informed responses, and avoid harmful responses such as school exclusion, as do those providing services to children and youth involved in child welfare systems 39 . At the individual level, informed by the differential aetiology of maltreatment types, support is needed for parents in prenatal and postnatal periods and in early childhood, and skill development can be embedded within school curricula, such as through programs fostering respectful relationships and sexual abuse prevention 40 …”

“…▪ Multi-type maltreatment is common. 39 ▪ Increased health service use places considerable strain on our health system. The one-quarter of Australians who experience three to five types of child maltreatment are over three times as likely to see a general practitioner six or more times a year, and 3.7 times more likely to be admitted overnight to hospital for mental disorders.…”