Medical Assessment at Initial Visit
This pathway recommends a systematic approach to the health assessment of children entering foster care or transitioning to a new placement. Trauma-informed care, legal considerations, and resources for providers and families are also outlined.
Trauma-informed Care
Most children in foster care have experienced trauma related to abuse and/or neglect. Other stressors related to foster care placement include separation from family members, placement instability and changes in school.
Extreme, long-lasting, and/or multiple stressors can alter brain development and other biologic systems, especially in the absence of protective factors. This leads to increased risk for behavior issues, cognitive deficits, mental health problems, developmental delays and physical health problems, both in the short and long term.
A trauma-informed approach to care can help to improve outcomes. Trauma and toxic stress responses should be evaluated and addressed throughout the assessment.
Trauma-informed Office Visit
- Be mindful of trauma history during the assessment
- May need to allow extra time
- Highlight strengths and talents