Trauma-Informed Family Practices: Toward Integrated and Evidence-Based Approaches

Families are a primary context in which children and adolescents exposed to adverse experiences and traumatic stress receive care and support. However, families are relatively under-studied in the literature on trauma-informed practice (TIP). Extant research on family-focused TIPs emphasizes distinct conceptual approaches and is characterized by methodological limitations. To better understand how TIPs can optimize family health and well-being, we discuss the need for more integrated and evidence-based approaches, and summarize four key conceptual and methodological issues: (1) adopting a multilevel approach to TIP; (2) adapting evidence-based family interventions to TIP; (3) accounting for complexity in family systems; and (4) incorporating longitudinal, mixed-method designs into research on family TIPs. We integrate this discussion with examples of existing family-based practices, and conclude with a summary of potential directions for future research.