Evidence-based trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy for abused children : interweaving of cultural context and evidence-based TF-CBT with Maori and Pacific Island children and families traumatised by abuse

In response to a lack of research in New Zealand and worldwide on the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for children who have been abused, a study was carried out to develop and evaluate a treatment programme. The focus was on children who have been multiply-abused with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a particularly vulnerable population. The 16-session trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy programme (TF-CBT) was based on overseas evidence- based models for treating children with anxiety and PTSD from sexual abuse, interwoven with locally developed clinical and cultural practice. The setting for the research was “Puawaitahi” in Auckland, Australasia’s first multi-agency centre for the investigation, assessment and treatment of child abuse. Sixteen children and their parent/caregivers participated in the programme and their responses were monitored pre-, post-, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up points. The results showed that TF-CBT has a good deal of promise as an intervention that helps children to process the trauma of past abuse so that their PTSD symptoms may be reduced, and to learn coping skills that can be applied to past as well as current situations. The presentation will focus on a discussion of the TF-CBT approach for culturally diverse populations, with particular reference to research findings on the use of the programme with Maori and Samoan children and families. Discussion will also be invited about dissemination and training for use of the programme in clinic and community settings by child mental health workers representing a range of disciplines.