Child Protection - Trauma Informed Care

[summer12]

Hi, I am seeking some help for just one question in my assessment.
It's for my Child Protection Unit.

The question is based off two scenarios;

Scenario 1.
James is 4 years old and attends the local education and care service Monday to Friday. James has a younger brother Tom who is 2 years old and stays at home and an older brother Max 10 years who attends the local school. James has always been a pleasant boy with many friends but recently his behaviour has changed. He is aggressive with all the children including his friends. You have asked his family if they know of any reason why James is behaving this way. They explain that an older cousin Tony has come to stay with them but he loves James and cannot see how this would have a negative effect on his behaviour. Mum who is from Iran and speaks limited English said “money very tight since James’s dad had accident and not work much, so Tony staying to help so she can do night work and try and bring in some more money.”

Today James is at the lunch table when another child accidentally spills water over James. James yells at the child and attempts to punch him. You stop James and ask him to get his bag so you can assist him to change into dry clothes whilst another educator ensures the other child is okay. James gets his bag but states very clearly he does not want your help. You respect this but standby near the bathroom to ensure he is safe. As you check to see if James is okay you notice as he pulls his shorts down some large bruising on his thigh.


Scenario 2.
Lucy is six months old and attends an education and care service Mon, Wed and Friday. Lucy’s mother is a night packer at the local shops so dad drops Lucy off and mum picks her up. They live in a community where police often visit due to frequency of violence. It is Monday and Lucy’s father drops her off. Lucy has just started to sit up whilst aided with soft pillows around her. You attempt to sit Lucy down but she screams and puts her hands up for you. Lucy’s father tells you she has been like this all morning and he has had enough and needs to get to work and he leaves.
You decide to check Lucy’s nappy when you notice the nappy is soaked through; she has a nappy rash that has resulted in her bottom bleeding and a large red hand print at the top of her leg. Lucy is screaming as you attempt to place a clean nappy on her. You gently place nappy cream on her bottom as permission has been granted on the enrolment form and pick Lucy up to console her.


The question is;
What is trauma informed care? How will you use this information to support James and Lucy?

So far, all I have for my answer is;
Trauma Informed Care is a type of treatment that involves understanding, recognising and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Each case is individualised to each person's needs to ensure the treatment does not add any additional trauma.

I'm not sure if I need to add more to answer the first part of the question referring to what it is. I am completely stuck on the second part, how will I use this information to support James and Lucy. Maybe if I had a better understanding of what Trauma Informed Care is.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has some ideas!