Recovery Learning for Adolescents After Traumatic Experiences

Addressing Elevated PTSD Symptoms in Young People in Care: A Randomised Feasibility Trial Across Social-care and Mental Health Services.

Most children who have been removed from their family home and placed under the care of a Local Authority have been exposed to many frightening experiences, including witnessing violence, not being fed or cared for, or being abused. These experiences can lead to significant emotional difficulties. One such difficulty is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can involve symptoms like having constant "flashbacks" of scary experiences, and a constant feeling of being in danger. This can have a big effect on children's lives. Yet, it is still not clear how to help young people in care who are experiencing high PTSD symptoms.

One idea the researchers have is to use a group-based online programme which has successfully helped other young people who have been exposed to different kinds of stressful experiences (for example, war). To test whether this programme could help children in care too, the researchers first need to see whether social workers have the time to check in with a child about PTSD symptoms; whether young people and their carers are willing to be involved in a research project which will test out the treatment programme; and whether mental health workers might face any problems when delivering the programme. This project aims to answer these questions.

The researchers will train social workers to complete an 8-question interview with 10-17 year olds in care, which will measure symptoms of PTSD. If the young person is experiencing high symptoms, they will be invited to take part in a research project. If they would like to join the project, children will be randomly selected to take part in the online group programme, or be given care-as-usual. The group programme involves the young person taking part in five weekly meetings held online, where they will learn skills to reduce their distress, and be supported to work through their difficult memories. Their carers will also take part in two online meetings which will teach them how to support their young person.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Experiencing elevated PTSS (using a standard cut-off score of =/> 17 on the 8-item Child Revised Impact of Events Scale; CRIES-8).
• Living in any care residence (with the exception of those living with a biological parent).
• Access to appropriate technology to engage in the online sessions and can do so in a quiet and private space.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A diagnosis of psychosis.
• Current and active serious suicidal ideations.
• A moderate to severe learning disability.
• Currently receiving direct therapeutic mental health support.