Social-Emotional Screening Protocol Implementation: A Trauma-Informed Response for Young Children in Child Welfare
Loading...
Date
2019-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
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