Social-Emotional Screening Protocol Implementation: A Trauma-Informed Response for Young Children in Child Welfare

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2019-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

The Ohio State University

Research Projects

Organizational Units

Journal Issue

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences in young children result in negative outcomes as trauma affects brain development. Within child welfare, early recognition of delayed social-emotional skills and treatment referral is essential in reducing the effects of trauma. This quality improvement pilot project implemented an evidence-based, social-emotional screening protocol utilizing the ASQ:SE-2 screening tool for very young children placed in out-of-home care through the county's child welfare system. Findings showed significant improvement in identification of children less than three years old with social-emotional-concerns (p < .0001), as well as, significant improvement in referral of those children positively identified (p = 0.0130). Ongoing utilization of the protocol was recommended as it demonstrated improved identification and referral for young children in child welfare with social-emotional concerns that were potentially trauma-related. Further collaboration between child protective services, pediatric medical systems, and pediatric mental health systems is needed to facilitate trauma-informed care for children in child welfare.

Description

Keywords

Childhood Trauma, Child Welfare, Social-Emotional Health, Pediatric Mental Health, Foster Care

Citation