Trauma-informed care : breaking down barriers in rural foster care
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Trauma profoundly impacts individuals across various domains, and addressing its effects is critical for promoting health and well-being. This paper explores a project developed in partnership with Family Forward, a nonprofit organization in St. Louis, Missouri, aimed at enhancing access to trauma-informed occupational therapy (OT) services for rural foster care families. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of trauma, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. The project involved creating a program to boost referrals and engagement in OT within the foster care office in Hillsboro, MO. The literature review highlights that trauma, especially during early childhood, can lead to long-term negative health outcomes. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and subsequent research underline the importance of TIC in improving outcomes for those affected by trauma. Rural communities face unique challenges, including limited healthcare resources and geographical barriers, which exacerbate the difficulties faced by children in foster care. The capstone project focused on program development and included a thorough needs assessment, literature review, and stakeholder feedback. Key findings revealed that while the proposed activities in the logic model were feasible and aligned with goals, challenges such as physical distance, time constraints, and limited case manager availability could impact implementation. Feedback also suggested the need for a broader community understanding of OT and improved integration with local providers. The project resulted in the creation of an educational handout for foster care families and case managers, aimed at increasing awareness of OT’s role in TIC. Despite limitations such as time constraints and access issues, the initiative demonstrated progress in strengthening connections between the foster care office and the Developmental Trauma Center, leading to an increase in OT referrals. In conclusion, the project underscores the need for enhanced collaboration between healthcare and child welfare systems to improve access to trauma-informed services. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering community engagement, there is potential to significantly enhance support for rural foster care families and improve long-term outcomes.
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