Trauma Root of Social Work

Many social workers and policymakers feel frustrated by the revolving door of cases closing, only to be reopened, or by stalemates that stand in the way of the desired progress. The Trauma Root of Social Work provides social workers and social policymakers with an accessible understanding of trauma, where it comes from, and the benefits of trauma proactive social work.This book explains the concept of the trauma wall, its appearance in our lives and work, and how it can be broken down by recognising and addressing root causes to achieve better and more sustainable outcomes in social work. It describes the mechanisms involved in high stress levels and brain development, to explain the reactive behaviour and attitudes encountered in social work. Practical approaches aid social workers in supporting people with unresolved trauma in case work. The book leaves readers better equipped to know how to break it down the trauma wall, enabling them to develop more effective policy and practice to really resolve and close cases.An invaluable resource for social workers and social policymakers involved in creating the structures, frameworks, and regulations for social work at all levels. As well as for anyone looking to break down the trauma wall at individual, family, community, and societal levels to promote positive change and address the current polycrisis.

Florence Koenderink is an independent consultant in child protection reform with almost 20 years of experience in the field across four continents. Her professional experiences range from on-the-ground work to policy advice at national and international levels. In child protection, her specific focus was on disability inclusion and trauma-informed approaches. By launching the ‘Beyond the Trauma Wall Initiative’, she broadened her scope beyond child protection to break down the trauma wall.