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ERIC Number: EJ967295
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0009-4021
EISSN: N/A
Complex Trauma and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents Placed in Foster Care: Findings from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Greeson, Johanna K. P.; Briggs, Ernestine C.; Kisiel, Cassandra L.; Layne, Christopher M.; Ake, George S., III; Ko, Susan J.; Gerrity, Ellen T.; Steinberg, Alan M.; Howard, Michael L.; Pynoos, Robert S.; Fairbank, John A.
Child Welfare, v90 n6 p91-108 2011
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. Implications for child welfare practice and future research are discussed. (Contains 4 footnotes and 2 tables.)
Child Welfare League of America. P.O. Box 932831, Atlanta, GA 31193-2831. Tel: 800-407-6273; Tel: 770-280-4164; e-mail: order@cwla.org; Web site: http://www.cwla.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A