4.5 Final reflections

Reflecting back on Jemma’s story, we can now revisit and look at what might have been better from what we have learned about trauma-informed, relationship-based practice. Jemma’s childhood experience has highlighted the need for a trauma-informed approach in our communities. Recognising the effects of trauma on the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of children is essential for providing the support they need.

Although Jemma’s experience of moving to different homes was unsettling for her, with trauma-informed support from her carers and social worker she was able to develop meaningful and trusting connections. By accepting her trauma with empathy and understanding, her carers became better able to meet her needs.

We learned that this important scaffolding also had an impact at secondary school where Jemma benefitted from the formal and informal relationships that were nurtured. Gradually, with this consistency at home and school, Jemma became sociable and academically engaged as she learned to trust others, invest in relationships and build her resilience.

The long-term benefits to well-being of trauma-informed, relationship-based support for Jemma, meant that her overall physical and emotional well-being both in the present, and into the future, were much more positive, enabling her to thrive into young adulthood and reach her potential.