Principles of Trauma Informed Care

In Outside School Hours Care, we provide care for children and families from diverse backgrounds, some of which may include traumatic experiences. Exposure to trauma has significant implications for children during crucial developmental years. While there is limited data on the prevalence of trauma in Australia, several studies suggest that between 57%-75% of Australians will experience a potentially traumatic event across their life. International studies estimate that 62%-68% of young people will be exposed to at least one traumatic event by the age of 17.

Given these statistics, it is likely that children in our care may have experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences that we are not made aware of. These children may present with a range of complex behaviours related to these prior experiences, which to date may never have been linked to their exposure to trauma. As a result, they may face a…