Enhancing behavioural and mental health services for youth impacted by developmental trauma by strengthening caregiver and provider networks

Developmental trauma is often defined as experiencing family violence and/or caregiver disruption early in life. People who experienced developmental trauma have worse health and mental health outcomes throughout their life. The focus of this research will be on developing and evaluating mental health supports for youth and families impacted by developmental trauma. There are two key projects within this proposal. One project will provide support for caregivers by using “peer support” where a caregiver of anchild who experienced developmental trauma supports another caregiver whose child faced a similar situation. The second project is evaluating the impact of providing professionals with training in a therapy for youth and families impacted by developmental trauma, known as the Neurosequential Model. Both projects are thematically linked in that they try to improve care for youth impacted by developmental trauma by increasing the capacity of the child’s support network (family and care providers).

Faculty Supervisor:

Gina Dimitropoulos

Student:

Partner:

Hull Services

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Calgary

Program: