Potential impact of trauma-informed care on trauma symptoms in the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate (CYPSE)

Purpose This study aims to examine the potential impact of trauma-informed care (TIC) on trauma symptoms by comparing admission and discharge self-report trauma symptomatology in a secure children’s home (SCH) in the North East of England where the SECURE STAIRS framework is embedded. Design/methodology/approach The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC; Briere, 1996) was administered at two time-points during admission to the SCH. Young people completed this measure at admission and pre-discharge. Forty-six young people (29 males and 17 females) completed the TSCC at both admission and pre-discharge, with valid responses. Findings Significant improvements in discharge scores were found across four domains: depression [z(45) = −0.49, p = 0.011]; anger [ t(45) = 3.106, p = 0.003]; dissociation [z(45) = 0.45, p = 0.007]; and dissociation (overt) [t(45) = 3.104, p = 0.003]. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature base by examining the impact of TIC on the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate population. There is a dearth of literature on this area particularly in the UK.