Evidence In Action Archives 2013-2026

Volume 14 | Issue 1 | January 2026 - Providers’ Perceptions of Trauma-Focused EBT/EBP Implementation Fidelity: Implementation Process and Individual Influences

This study examined factors that help mental health providers deliver trauma-focused evidence-based practices as intended in real-world settings. Findings suggest that providers reported stronger implementation fidelity when they experienced higher compassion satisfaction, felt more effective in their work, and received consistent organizational supports such as supervision, consultation, and coaching. The study also found that secondary traumatic stress was linked to lower perceived fidelity, highlighting the importance of workforce resilience and provider well-being in trauma-informed care and trauma treatment. These findings underscore the need for behavioral health organizations to support both clinician wellness and implementation practices to strengthen trauma-responsive services and improve outcomes for children and families affected by trauma. Click here to read the full brief on the study. 

Volume 14 | Issue 2 | April 2026 - Trauma Informed Parenting Skills for Resource Parents

Trauma-Informed Parenting Skills for Resource Parents (TIPS 4 RP) is a trauma-informed care intervention designed to help foster, adoptive, and relative caregivers support children affected by youth trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Findings suggest that the program strengthens caregivers’ trauma-informed parenting skills, empathy, and confidence while reducing concerns about placement disruption, which can promote trauma recovery and child and adolescent mental health. Caregivers reported that understanding trauma-driven behaviors helped them respond more effectively, improve family relationships, and create safer, more trauma-responsive home environments. These findings highlight the value of evidence-based practice and early intervention in child welfare and behavioral health settings to support resilience, caregiver effectiveness, and placement stability. Click here to read the full brief on the study. 

Volume 13 | Issue 1 | April 2025 – Judicial Decision-Making in Child Sex Trafficking Cases

This study examined how a school-based trauma-informed care initiative influenced burnout and secondary traumatic stress among K–12 educators, counselors, administrators, and other staff. Findings suggest that trauma-informed practices, engaged leadership, and trauma-responsive organizational supports were associated with improved staff well-being, reduced occupational stress, and greater workforce resilience over time. The results highlight the importance of creating trauma-responsive services and supportive workplace environments that address the impact of indirect exposure to youth trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). For education, behavioral health, and child-serving professionals, the study underscores how leadership commitment to trauma-informed care can strengthen staff mental health and improve the capacity to support students effectively. Click here to read the full brief on the study. 

Volume 13 | Issue 2 | April 2025 –  Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress Over Time in School Personnel Involved in a Trauma-Informed Initiative

This study explored how a school-wide trauma-informed care initiative affected burnout and secondary traumatic stress among K–12 school personnel. Findings suggest that stronger leadership engagement and more trauma-responsive services and practices were linked to improved staff well-being, reduced occupational stress, and greater workforce resilience over time. The results highlight the importance of supporting educators and other professionals who are regularly exposed to youth trauma, as addressing trauma-related stress can strengthen both staff mental health and their ability to support students effectively. For professionals in education, behavioral health, and child-serving systems, the study reinforces the value of organizational commitment to trauma-informed care as a key strategy for promoting resilience and a healthier workforce. Click here to read the full brief on the study.

Volume 13 | Issue 3 | July 2025 – Caregiver Representations in a High-Risk Sample: Factor Analysis of the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI)

This study explored how caregivers involved with child welfare view their children and parent-child relationships, and how those perceptions relate to risk and recovery outcomes. Findings indicate that positive, balanced caregiver representations were associated with lower risk for maltreatment and stronger trauma recovery, while disrupted representations were linked to greater concerns related to child safety and family functioning. The results highlight the value of assessing caregiver perspectives as part of trauma-informed care, helping professionals identify strengths, support resilience, and inform intervention planning. For practitioners in child welfare, behavioral health, and family-serving systems, the study underscores the importance of using assessment tools to guide prevention efforts and tailor trauma-responsive services to family needs. Click here to read the full brief on the study.

Volume 13 | Issue 4 | October 2025 – Intergenerational Continuity of Childhood Sexual and Physical Abuse: Using Network Analysis to Explore Risk

This study examined how experiences of childhood sexual and physical abuse can continue across generations and identified factors that may increase the risk of ongoing maltreatment within families. Findings highlight the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma histories, mental health challenges, substance use, and parenting stress, showing how these interconnected factors can contribute to child abuse risk and affect trauma recovery. The results emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care in child welfare and behavioral health settings, including screening for past and current adversity and addressing the broader needs of caregivers. For professionals, the study reinforces the value of coordinated, trauma-responsive services that support family resilience and help break intergenerational cycles of abuse. Click here to read the full brief on the study.

Volume 12 | Issue 1 | January 2024 – Untangling Secondary Traumatic Stress and Vicarious Traumatization: One Construct or Two?

This study examined the relationship between secondary traumatic stress and vicarious traumatization among professionals who are regularly exposed to others’ trauma. Findings suggest that while these two reactions are closely connected, they remain distinct and can both affect mental health, particularly among professionals with high levels of indirect trauma exposure and those earlier in their careers. The results highlight the importance of trauma-informed care approaches that include screening, prevention, and support for both secondary traumatic stress and trauma-related changes in beliefs and perceptions. For organizations in behavioral health, child welfare, education, and other helping professions, the study underscores the need to strengthen workforce resilience through targeted supports, trauma-responsive services, and early intervention for professionals affected by ongoing exposure to trauma. Click here to read the full brief on the study.

Volume 12 | Issue 2 | April 2024 – The Relationship Between Secondary Traumatic Stress and Compassion Satisfaction: A Systematic Literature Review

This study examined the relationship between secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction among professionals who work with individuals affected by trauma. Findings suggest that professionals can experience high levels of compassion satisfaction while also experiencing secondary traumatic stress, highlighting the complex factors that influence workplace well-being and mental health. The results underscore the importance of trauma-informed care strategies that both reduce the impact of indirect trauma exposure and strengthen positive professional experiences that support workforce resilience. For leaders in behavioral health, child welfare, education, and other helping professions, the study highlights the need for comprehensive approaches that address secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and professional satisfaction together. Click here to read the full brief on the study.

Volume 12 | Issue 3 | July 2024 – Staying Well at Work: Individual and Organizational Outcomes

This study examined the use of Project ECHO as a strategy to support workforce well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that combining individual stress management skills with organizational wellness efforts can strengthen resilience, improve workplace practices, and promote workforce resilience across healthcare, education, and other helping professions. The results highlight the value of trauma-informed care approaches that address both personal and organizational factors affecting employee well-being. For professionals in behavioral health, education, child welfare, and related fields, the study demonstrates how innovative, organization-wide interventions can support long-term mental health and create healthier, more resilient workplaces. Click here to read the full brief on the study.

Volume 12 | Issue 4 | October 2024 – A Qualitative Analysis of Youth Trauma Narratives

This study explores how boys and girls may experience, interpret, and cope with youth trauma in different ways. Findings suggest that boys were more likely to focus on behavioral and social impacts, while girls more often described the emotional and psychological effects of traumatic experiences. The study highlights the importance of trauma-informed care that recognizes diverse responses to trauma and supports individualized approaches to trauma treatment and trauma recovery. For professionals in behavioral health, education, child welfare, and child and adolescent mental health, the findings emphasize the value of trauma screening, tailored interventions, and trauma-responsive services that meet the unique needs of each young person. Click here to read the full brief on the study.