What happened to me? Responding to the impact of trauma on children in care: trauma informed practice in foster care

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to share the findings of a pilot training project undertaken in 2015 on implementing with foster carers a trauma informed approach to their practise. The article is written in three parts; firstly: Maria Lotty will look at the theoretical basis on which this approach draws its knowledge base. Secondly: Sally Meldon will discuss the pilot project ran in the fostering resource unit in Cork; its source, structure and content. Finally: Ann-Marie Buckley will present the findings; outcomes and learning. She will also discuss the effectiveness of implementing the trauma informed approach via a training programme i.e. if it has met its aims? And how significant a role it has to play in the healing and recovery of children who have suffered trauma.