Trauma-informed care for children involved with the child welfare system: A meta-analysis.

Authors

Zhang, S., Conner, A., Lim, Y. & Lefmann, T.

Type
Journal Article
Year published
2021
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect
Attachments
Document
Zhang_2021.pdf (1.92 MB)
Volume and issue

122 (105296)

Abstract

Objectives
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate TIC interventions' pooled effect on the wellbeing of children involved with the child welfare system, while examining factors that may moderate the effect.

Methods
The search and review yielded 15 eligible studies. We first estimated the interventions' pooled effect based on a compound child wellbeing indicator, and then on three specific child wellbeing indicators: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom reduction, behavioral problem reduction, and other psychological wellbeing improvement. We further conducted subgroup meta-analyses to evaluate factors that may moderate the effect.

Results
TIC interventions had a moderate effect as shown through the compound child wellbeing indicator (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI = [0.27, 0.67]) as well as the three specific indicators (SMD = 0.37 to 0.52, 95% CI = [0.02, 0.88]). Subgroup meta-analyses indicated that the intervention effects varied but generally remained at a moderate level across study and intervention characteristics.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that TIC interventions for children involved with the child welfare system are promising, but the effect may vary by intervention strategies and other factors. Implications for practices and research are discussed.