The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention in Canadian child and youth advocacy centres
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15273/dmj.Vol49No1.11642Abstract
Background: The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) is an evidence-based early intervention shown to reduce post-traumatic stress in children and adolescents. This intervention has not been explored in the context of the Canadian healthcare landscape, and more specifically at Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs); multi-disciplinary service hubs who serve those exposed to trauma.
Objective: Examine the feasibility and usefulness of the CFTSI in the context of Canadian CYACs.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was utilized, consisting of a validated, nationally distributed online survey which served as an environmental scan, and key informant interviews, which were thematically analyzed.
Results: 15 of 29 invited centres participated. Prior to this study, six of 15 respondents had been aware of the CFTSI. Furthermore, two participants reported current use of the CFTSI. Of the 13 centres not using it, 10 expressed that the CFTSI would be an acceptable and relevant intervention at their centre, and there was significant interest in possible future implementation. Interviews with experienced clinicians revealed benefits and challenges of the CFTSI‘s format, and the influence of family structure, culture and trauma history on outcomes. Finally, some considerations specific to Canadian centres were uncovered and direction for future research suggested.
Conclusion: Our findings collectively underscore the potential of the CFTSI to bolster mental health services, which are a priority area requiring improvement at Canadian CYACs. Additionally, this study highlights benefits and challenges relevant to Canadian practice and wide-spread implementation of the CFTSI in this country.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).