P106 - Trauma-Informed Practices in the Child Protection System in Portugal

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

Child Protection System (SPC) professionals work with children and families with high rates of adverse and/or traumatic experiences, namely interpersonal, chronic, and cumulative violence. The trauma-informed approach, recommended and adopted by different institutions, aims to increase knowledge about trauma, its prevalence, and its impact to mitigate re-traumatization, minimize the impact of adverse experiences, promote the well-being and health (physical and mental) of all those involved (e.g., children, families, professionals) and enhance the efficacy of the intervention. This study aims to evaluate the training of professionals, the knowledge, and the adoption of trauma-informed practices, as well as the resources made available by institutions for the promotion and implementation of these practices, with children who have experienced domestic violence. Data was collected via an online questionnaire (Qualtrics) distributed by SPC Portuguese institutions through email. The sample was composed of 228 SPC professionals, representing all national districts, including islands, who performed different professional and institutional functions/positions. The participants, with an average age of 41 years, were mostly women (92%), with a degree in Psychology (72%) and academic qualifications at the master's level (55%). The preliminary results suggest that the training and implementation of trauma-informed practices among professionals were insufficient. This indicates that these practices were not fully integrated into the organizational culture of SPC. The data from this study will allow us to carry out a diagnostic analysis of the knowledge and needs of professionals and institutions regarding trauma-informed practices.

Authors

• Virgínia Alves, Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho

• Mariana Gonçalves, University of Minho