Lived Xperience

Supporting Families with CPS Involvement

The intersection of trauma and parenting is a complex and often heartbreaking reality, especially for families involved with Child Protective Services (CPS). Trauma, whether experienced directly or witnessed, can significantly impact a parent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

By adopting a trauma-informed approach, we can move beyond judgment and towards healing and stability.

Understanding the profound effects of trauma on parenting is crucial for CPS workers, social service providers, and anyone working to support these families.

Trauma can manifest in a myriad of ways, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even triggered by their children’s needs. Past experiences of abuse, neglect, or violence can lead to difficulty managing emotions, forming healthy attachments, and setting appropriate boundaries. Parents may struggle with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or exhibit behaviors that inadvertently perpetuate cycles of trauma. This can create a challenging dynamic within the family, increasing the risk of neglect or abuse, and ultimately leading to CPS involvement.

However, CPS involvement itself can be a traumatic experience. The fear of losing one’s children, navigating a complex system, and feeling judged or misunderstood can exacerbate existing trauma and create further barriers to effective parenting. This is why a trauma-informed approach is essential.

Trauma-informed care recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma and seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for healing. It shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” This approach emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and understanding. 

Here are some key principles and strategies for supporting families with CPS involvement through a trauma-informed lens:

• Build Trust and Rapport: Establishing a trusting relationship is paramount. Approach parents with empathy, respect, and a non-judgmental attitude. Active listening, clear communication, and consistent support can help parents feel safe and understood.
• Recognize and Address Trauma: Acknowledge the impact of trauma on parenting and provide access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and parenting support groups that are trauma-specific.
• Focus on Strengths: Identify and build upon existing strengths within the family. Highlighting positive parenting skills and empowering parents to make positive changes can foster hope and resilience.
• Provide Concrete Support: Connect families with resources that address basic needs such as housing, food security, and childcare. Alleviating stressors related to poverty and social instability can significantly improve a parent’s capacity to care for their children.
• Promote Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between parents, CPS workers, and service providers. Working together as a team to develop and implement a plan can foster a sense of agency and shared responsibility.
• Practice Patience and Persistence: Healing from trauma takes time. Be patient and persistent in your support, recognizing that setbacks are a normal part of the process. Celebrate successes and provide encouragement along the way.

Resources for Trauma-Informed Care:

• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Offers resources and training on trauma-informed care for children and families.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway: Provides information on trauma-informed child welfare practice.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Offers resources on trauma-informed care and substance abuse treatment.

By embracing a trauma-informed approach, we can help parents involved with CPS break cycles of trauma, build healthy families, and create a brighter future for their children. It requires a shift in perspective, a commitment to collaboration, and a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit.