Children’s Trauma-Related Needs Versus Caregivers’ Preparedness: A Disconnect in the Trauma-Informed Care of Children in Child and Youth Care Centres

Children being cared for in child and youth care centres frequently have specific care needs because of their complex trauma histories. Neuroscientific research provides insight into the difficulties these children experience, reframing trauma symptoms as creative adaptations to their adverse circumstances. Although reminiscent of resilience, the children’s coping strategies may present as maladaptive in the context of alternative care. Amidst inadequate preparation, training, and support for its workforce, concerns are growing regarding the quality of care provided to children in child and youth care centres. In a qualitative research study, 50 semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore caregiving from the perspectives of children, caregivers, social workers and managers from four child and youth care centres in Gauteng, South Africa. The research findings indicate that the children essentially felt unheard and misunderstood in terms of their trauma-related needs, while participants perceived that caregivers lacked the required information, skills, and support to work with this vulnerable population. We conclude that, in addition to the multi-level systemic issues inherent in alternative care institutions, such a disconnect could strain the caregiver-child relationship, leaving caregivers overburdened and children deprived of appropriate care. It is recommended that caregivers receive training on trauma-informed care to address children’s needs in a holistic and developmentally appropriate way.