Left unrecognised and untreated, abuse related trauma is cumulative in its impact. Repeated experiences of abuse, violence or neglect significantly increases the likelihood of children and young people experiencing a range of complex emotional, psychological and behavioural problems that further impact on their development, relationships and capacity to learn.
All forms of intervention with children and young people who have suffered abuse, family violence and neglect have the potential to assist them to recover from the effects of the trauma they have experienced. The outcomes of such intervention depend significantly on the confidence and competence of health, welfare, education and legal professionals to
- communicate effectively with children and young people about their experiences of abuse and the meaning these experiences hold for them about their identity and their relationships;
- take into account developmental considerations when intervening with children and young people;
- consider the cultural background and/or special needs of children and young people in planning and implementing programs aimed at supporting recovery;
- embed their practice in an appreciation of the current research findings about the psycho-biological effects of trauma for children and young people; and,
- use ethical decision making frameworks that promote the restructuring of abusive family relationships in order to focus on meeting the emerging needs of children and young people.
Interventions are most successful when professionals enact collaborative practice that can achieve protective, reparative and restorative objectives for children and young people. Given the central role of education, education professionals are pivotal in providing support and resources for children and young people who may be at risk of or have experienced child abuse.
What is the Smart Program?
The Smart program is a state wide initiative funded by the South Australian Government Department of Education and Children’s Services, as part of the Keeping them safe child protection reform agenda. It seeks to enhance the capacity of school and early childhood personnel to effectively respond to the needs of children and young people who have experienced abuse and trauma.
Effective intervention and protection of children and young people relies upon a sound understanding of the impact of abuse related trauma, comprehensive risk assessment frameworks based on current research and an ability to implement support plans for children and young people that not only reduce the risk they are exposed to but also promote their recovery from the harm they have experienced. Risk and safety assessments need to be integrated into practice at every stage of intervention with a child or young person.
The Smart Program consists of integrated professional development opportunities including knowledge and skill building seminars and an interactive online learning package.
Who developed the SMART Program?
The SMART Program has been developed by the Australian Childhood Foundation in partnership with the National Research Centre for the Prevention of Child Abuse and the Indigenous Health Unit at Monash University.
How can you participate in the SMART Program?
- Attend a professional development seminar across South Australia exploring the impact of abuse and its related trauma on children and young people – Click Here.
- Complete the online, self-paced learning module to find out more about the experiences of children and young people affected by abuse related trauma – Click Here. Prior to starting the online program, you may like to review a short instructional document...more
- Download research about children and young people who have experienced abuse related trauma and take part in research that is being conducted as part of the SMART Project – Click Here.