Children and Family Futures (CFF) offers training and technical assistance to help tribes, states, counties, courts, and community-based agencies implement evidence-based trauma-specific services and trauma-informed care for children, parents and their families who are affected by substance use and mental disorders. Our trauma walk-through assessments assist agencies to measure how trauma-informed they are by identifying potential trauma triggers within their environments and programs and implementing strategies to mitigate them.  

Many parents with substance use disorders and who are involved with child welfare services have their own history of childhood abuse and neglect or traumatic experiences. Experiencing parental substance use disorders and involvement with child welfare services may also constitute trauma in children. These parents and children need a system of care that recognizes the effect of trauma on their recovery and well-being. Providers must screen parents and children for trauma using validated screening tools, ensure referral for clinical assessment when warranted, and link to appropriate trauma-specific services. Evidence-based trauma services should be provided within the context of an organizational culture that avoids triggering or unintentional re-traumatization for both parents and children. Being a trauma-informed organization means that every part of the organization—from management to service delivery—understands how trauma affects the life of an individual seeking services.¹ Trauma-informed care must be weaved through each service system, including child welfare services, substance use disorder treatment, courts, healthcare, and other community-based agencies.