Development of a Trauma-Informed Approach in Home Visiting
This study developed an enhancement to home visiting for mothers who have experienced childhood trauma that targets decreasing depressive symptoms and increasing social support. Stakeholder engagement was fostered by surveying Home Visiting Applied Research Collaborative (HARC) members on current practices in trauma-informed care, and in conducting qualitative interviews with home visitors. The study had three phases. In phase 1, home visiting programs that participate in HARC were surveyed to estimate the prevalence of practices related to the measurement of trauma and related psychopathology and protective factors, elements of curricula that address trauma, and practitioner perceptions of the trauma burden and adequacy of mitigation strategies. In phase 2, structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 home visitors drawn from several home visiting programs. Interviews provided a deep understanding of trauma-informed practices, knowledge and challenges as experienced by home visiting providers. Findings from the survey and interviews were used to refine a trauma-informed home visiting module that addresses depression and social support, which in turn was pilot tested and evaluated. This study has provided important data that has guided the field by providing a targeted intervention that enhances the functioning of mothers who have experienced trauma and improves home visiting outcomes.
Funding Source:
Home Visiting Applied Research Collaborative (HARC)