An inquiry into trauma-informed practice and care for social workers in care and protection roles in Aotearoa New Zealand

INTRODUCTION: Working alongside clients who have experienced trauma is an essential part of statutory social work. It is imperative that social workers have a sound knowledge of trauma-informed practices. This article addresses the utilisation of a trauma-informed practice and care framework, acknowledging the potential to strengthen knowledge and training within this area to ensure safe practice with clients who have experienced traumatic events in their lives. Furthermore, the study explores the importance of support for social workers in care and protection roles when working alongside trauma-affected clients, to try and mitigate the impact of indirect trauma. METHODS: Using an exploratory research design, qualitative data have been collated through semi-structured interviews with four care and protection social workers, capturing their stories in a narrative format and comparing the data collected to academic research on trauma-informed practice and care. FINDINGS: Key themes identified from interviews with statutory social workers included social workers' perceptions of trauma, the implementation of trauma-informed practice and care, the value to participants of training and investment in knowledge development and practitioner access to trauma-informed practice and care support. CONCLUSIONS: While social workers have a sound knowledge of trauma and its impact on individuals and their behaviours, how to implement and utilise trauma informed care can often be an area of confusion. Additionally, the impact of secondary trauma on practitioners themselves is often overlooked; it falls on the practitioner to manage themselves rather than there being a collaborative organisational approach for them.