SCWK8822 · Social Work

Child and Adolescent Trauma: Clinical Assessment & Treatment

School of Social Work

Elective This course is an introduction to trauma theory and practice with children and adolescents. Theory is framed within a developmental perspective to understand neurobiology, brain development and attachment and their role in response to trauma and stress on children. Diversified definitions of trauma are considered, including single event versus complex trauma, attachment based/relational trauma, and structural violence and oppression. Skills for management of vicarious trauma are also explored. The latter half of the course examines selected modalities in the treatment of trauma, including TF-CBT, ARC and TST with a goal to understanding the theoretical approach of each modality, differential application and development of clinical skills for practice. Treatments are also examined within developmental context. Special consideration is given to the impact of separation from caregivers for youth placed in foster care, congregate care settings, and refugee youth experiencing family separation and immigration detention. The role of advocacy and resistance of youth movements in response to structural violence, oppression and historical and intergenerational trauma are also examined.