The necessity of trauma-informed care in regional childcare support

Abstract

Trauma-informed care is a clinical psychology approach that considers the effects of trauma in understanding behavior. This study aimed to clarify the practical knowledge of supporters in regional childcare support services regarding parents and children where problem behavior or child maltreatment is suspected, and to explore the necessity of trauma-informed care for further improving the expertise of supporters in regional childcare support services. Data from interviews conducted with regional childcare supporters indicated that the needs of mothers and children were sensitively and precisely met through observations of parents and children, or cooperation with outside specialized agencies from the standpoint of supporters' practical knowledge. In terms of trauma-informed care, understanding was insufficient regarding the possibility of trauma being an underlying factor affecting parent and child behavior, and the risk of secondary trauma amongst supporters themselves. In regional childcare support services, trauma-informed care is essential for offering appropriate support for parents and children and maintaining the mental health of supporters.