CBITS - Treat Child Trauma in Child Welfare

Trauma, Trauma-related Mental Disorders, Child/Youth Welfare Facilities, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Psychotherapeutic and psychiatric primary care, Group intervention

Advisory Board:

Lisa Jaycox, PhD: The RAND Initiated Research Corporation, USA

Prof. Lucy Berliner, PhD: Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center, USA

Prof. Ramon Lindauer, PhD: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Netherlands

DSMB:

Prof. Dr. Tina In-Albon: University Koblenz-Landau, Germany

Prof. Dr. Rita Rosner: Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. Germany

Prof. Dr. phil. Markus Landolt:  University Pediatric Hospital Zürich, Switzerland

3 years (01.05.2023-30.04.2026)

About 75% of children and adolescents in child welfare programs report having experienced at least one traumatic event, such as physical violence, experiences of abuse or neglect. Consequently, children can develop trauma-related disorders such as the posttraumatic stress disorder or show other psychological distress such as sadness, anxiety or insecurity.  Early treatment can help prevent further difficulties and reduce the psychological distress of children long-term. However, in reality, the affected children only have limited access to evidence-based trauma treatment. Therefore, the research project “CBITS -Treat Trauma in Child Welfare” aims to provide traumatized children and adolescents in child welfare programs with access to a trauma-focused intervention. Through this project, the trauma-focused group intervention CBITS will be scientifically evaluated and sustainably integrated into regular care.

The effectiveness and feasibility of the group intervention CBITS will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 3 study regions (Marburg, Bochum, Ulm) with a total of 9 cooperating child and youth welfare programs and 3 study centers (training centers for behavioral therapy). The primary outcome measure is a reduction of posttraumatic stress symptoms, which will be assessed before and after the intervention as well as at a 6 months follow-up by standardized screening on site. A total of 90 children and adolescents between 8 and 16 years, who are in a child welfare program and who exhibit corresponding trauma symptomatology, will be included in the study. For the implementation of the intervention, a total of 24 therapists will be  trained and closely supervised in cooperation with the authors of the intervention in the USA.

The group therapy consists a total of 10 group sessions (45 minutes each) and 1-3 individual sessions per participant. In addition, there are at least 1-3 appointments for the child welfare staff. All children and adolescents enrolled in the study will receive feedback regarding psychopathological abnormalities (e.g. depression, PTS, anxiety).