Trauma-Informed Care Research: Implications for Foster Care Practice

The current status of the effectiveness of trauma-informed interventions for foster carers can be described as an emergent body of knowledge. This paper examines the implications of trauma-informed care research recently carried out in Ireland. The research produced an evidenced-based trauma-informed care psychoeducational group-based program for foster carers. The introduction of this systemically developed trauma-informed care program for foster carers is a new departure within child services in Ireland. The implications of this research are discussed in the context of fostering stability, the targeting of this program, relational practice, collaborative practice, practitioner training, and the wider child welfare system.