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We have a care system society that talks a lot about blame, outcomes, and standards, but I don't hear too many conversations around #intergenerationaltrauma. 💔 As someone who has personally experienced the impact of the care system, it is crucial to recognise that the challenges faced by children in care often stem from the unresolved traumas of previous generations. My own biological parents endured significant hardships—my mother was brought up in care and was abused, and my father subjected her to domestic violence. These experiences inevitably shaped my journey into care. 🌿 Intergenerational trauma refers to the way traumatic events affect not just those who directly experience them but also their children and grandchildren. Talking about intergenerational trauma is important for growth and understanding. 🌱 This understanding is vital for improving our care systems. It encourages a compassionate approach that acknowledges the deep-rooted issues affecting families. 💖 Consider this: there are approximately 107,000 children in care across the UK. 📊 Studies indicate that a significant percentage of these children's biological parents have faced their own hardships, with many experiencing trauma or even being in care themselves. This underscores the importance of addressing intergenerational trauma within the care system. 🔄 Here are top 5 solutions for practitioners in the care system: Trauma-Informed Care Training: Equip all staff with the knowledge to understand and address trauma. 🧠 Mental Fitness Support: Provide accessible counselling and therapy for both children and their parents. 🏥 Family Reunification Programmes: Focus on healing family relationships when safe and possible. 🤝 Community-Based Support: Create support networks within communities for ongoing assistance. 🌍 Long-Term Follow-Up: Ensure sustained support for children aging out of the system. 📈 By addressing intergenerational trauma, we can better support children in care, helping them break free from cycles of pain and build healthier futures. Let's start having these important conversations and work towards a more empathetic and effective care system. 🌟 #IntergenerationalTrauma #CareSystem #ChildWelfare #MentalHealth #Empathy #TraumaInformedCare #ChildProtection #SupportServices #FamilyHealing #SocialWork #FosterCare #Adoption #YouthSupport #CommunityCare #TherapeuticSupport #BreakingTheCycle #Resilience #GenerationalHealing #TraumaRecovery #Wellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #dripbydripdaybyday #wefindaway
This is not about undermining anyone's difficult experience. Adversity can be overcome because we do have the capacity to process difficult events. What is not commonly known, is how that process works. Mental Health support works in "silos". Because you have been exposed to one means of support, does not mean you will not find support that works for you in another. There is : 1.Support 2.Support with adaptation. Not all support works in the same way some gives deeper solutions. Some as you know focus on trauma and responses. Other methods are deeper, focusing on what it is that influences your response and how perspective is formed. If not everyone that responds to difficult situations in the same way, it cannot be the situation that creates the problem. That is unfortunately not commonly known.
I completely agree Steven Russell We have a care system that is addicted to short term fixes. When we actually need to build a support system throughout our communities that enables people to overcome trauma and build healthier lives in the long term. It is not only about providing emergency support in times of crisis but making the long term decisions that make those crisis less likely in the first place.
Ruth Bloch
6mo
This is such a powerful and insightful message that highlights the importance of addressing intergenerational trauma to create a more compassionate care system.
Kathy Blackwell
6mo
Yes yes yes. Thank you for being the voice of millions of kids! And many many more recipients of generational trauma. People don’t even know that’s what they have been through most of the time.
Your voice is powerful
Karylle Phillips
6mo
All 👏🏽 of 👏🏽 this 👏🏽 💜💜
Lisa 🦁🦷 Ellison
6mo
Very insightful post Steven Russell
Absolutely Steven Russell. However😒 …….Trauma informed training would be nice but what so many of our members children need ( we are Parents of traumatised adopted teens ) is trauma responsive care. Intergenerational trauma is highly significant In our children’s lives and the lack of understanding in all professionals that we and they come into contact with is staggering. And yet - we see council after council so say making ‘care experience ‘ a protected characteristic - but what does that mean 🤔. Sadly some of our very loved children re enter care ( almost without exception ) due to the long term sequelae of their early adversity , trauma and abuse before we ever knew them. They are ‘care experienced’ twice in their lives. Many more are care experienced but have not re entered care - but when their lives become complex as young adults - their trauma histories let alone intergenerational trauma is all but ignored. Nevertheless, good points well made.