Trauma-Informed Care and Its Cultural Implications

Best practices and research data on applications relating to cultural sensitivity and competency are still in the early stages of development. Here is a list of suggestions for effective intervention across cultural lines, drawn from the most recent research and established best practices in the field.

First, earlier intervention is preferable than later intervention in order to maximize the chances of success and ensure that benefits will be maintained throughout time (Cicchetti, Rogosch, & Toth, 2006).

Second, implement parenting programs that combine psychoeducation with therapy to strengthen family bonds and boost children's academic performance (Boden, Horwood, & Fergusson, 2007).

Third, try to find a professional who shares the client's ethnic background, and if that's not feasible, rely on and oversee paraprofessionals who do (Snowden, Hu, & Jerrell, 1995). To help kids adapt to their new environments at school, we must offer them supplementary assistance.

Avoid having younger children act as interpreters for their parents.

Connecting people to support groups that are a good fit for their ethnicity should be step number six in any therapeutic plan.

When presenting suggestions and/or expectations, it is crucial to first ascertain what is and is not considered appropriate in the target culture.

Find out what individuals, families, and children have come to anticipate from your service.

Evaluate the cultural acceptability of the change and try to predict its impact on the person or family's way of life.

Learn how trauma has been passed down through generations and how it has affected behavior and mental health. Recognize that even within a same culture, a person's traumatic experiences may vary and require a tailored approach to intervention.