NCJ Number
232127
Date Published
2007
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This brief from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network highlights practices for working with Latino/Hispanic children and families suffering from the effects of exposure to violence.
Abstract
Results of a study conducted in 2005 by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) found that compared to other ethnic groups, Latino/Hispanic children experienced lower levels of sexual abuse and neglect but had higher incidences of domestic violence, impaired caregivers, and community violence. The study also found that certain risk factors for exposure to trauma were more prevalent among the Latino/Hispanic community. These factors included: poverty, inadequate housing, living in single-parent families, substance abuse problems, lower levels of education, and stress related to acculturation and discrimination. This brief provides specific treatment recommendations for working with Latino/Hispanic families dealing with exposure to trauma. These recommendations include: 1) making a good first impression; 2) Taking acculturation into account; 3) conducting a thorough, culturally modified assessment; 4) integrating cultural values into the therapeutic process; 5) engaging families; and 6) incorporating evidence-based practices to fit the cultural context. Recommendations are also provided for ways that mental health professionals can improve their provision of services to Latino/Hispanic families dealing with exposure to trauma. These include providing support for bilingual/bicultural therapists, providing additional training for working with Latino/Hispanic families, and providing increased resources. References