Introduction to Assessment Copy

Assessment is conducted with the child and caregiver together to obtain background information, assess symptoms and functioning, and gather trauma specific information. In this session, the therapist may also use different psychometric instruments and other assessment tools if needed. While therapists should follow general best practices for psychosocial evaluation, in trauma work, there are some specificities of the assessment that will be highlighted in this module. Some of them set the tone for how to talk about traumatic experiences, emphasize safety, build rapport, establish trust and a strong alliance, and ask trauma-specific questions. This is why it is called a “trauma-informed assessment.” In addition, the therapist should assess child functioning before, during, and after the trauma(s) across different domains as well as the functioning of the caregiver and family system. Social support and preparedness for therapy are also assessed.

Refer to the CCT Manual Chapter 3, “Assessment of the Child” (pages 35-45)