How to do trauma-informed research and evaluation
Abstract
At AIFS’ Child Family Community Australia information exchange (CFCA), we create evidence-based and evidence-informed resources to support practitioners working with children and families. Through our ongoing conversations with the sector, we know that the CFCA audience needs information about trauma-informed approaches to practice and trauma-informed approaches to research and program evaluation.
The related practice guide, Principles for doing trauma-informed research and program evaluation, covers:
- what trauma-informed research is
- the value of considering trauma throughout the research process
- high-level principles of trauma-informed research and evaluation to apply within projects.
This resource is a complementary and more foundational document about what should be done by describing how it can be done. It provides evidence-informed, practical insights for doing trauma-informed research and program and service evaluation in a way that is accessible and safe for participants who may or may not have experienced trauma. It covers:
- strategies for designing and conducting research and evaluation that is trauma informed: concrete tips for what to do when designing and doing research and evaluations
- the quality and nature of the evidence on doing trauma-informed research and evaluation: an evaluative description of the research literature that the principles and strategies are based on.
This resource is intended for:
- child- and family-service practitioners who design research and/or conduct service or program evaluation as part of their role (e.g. program leads and managers)
- professionals conducting broader research activities in university, industry and public service settings.
Reference
MacDonald, J.B., Butler, K., Willoughby, M., Gartoulla, P., & Dobud, W. (2024). How to do trauma-informed research and evaluation (Practice guide). Melbourne: Child Family Community Australia, Australian Institute of Family Studies.
- Published: Aug, 2024
- Type: Evidence synthesis
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