The Integration of Trauma-Informed Care and Advocacy in Social Work: A Comprehensive Framework for Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Neglect

Abstract

Background: Trauma-informed social services play a crucial role in supporting survivors of abuse and neglect. Advocacy in social work is essential for promoting social justice, yet the integration of trauma-informed practices with advocacy remains underexplored, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalized populations.

Methods: This review synthesizes existing literature on trauma-informed practices and advocacy models within social work. It utilizes a conceptual framework to analyze various advocacy approaches, including the Active Take-Up Advocacy (ATA) model and integrates trauma-informed principles to develop a revised model termed Trauma-Informed Active Take-Up Advocacy (TI-ATA).

Results: The analysis reveals a significant gap in the intersection of advocacy and trauma-informed care. Current models often neglect the profound impact of trauma on individuals' rights and access to services. By integrating trauma-informed principles such as safety, empowerment, and collaboration into the advocacy process, the TI-ATA model enhances social workers' capacity to support clients effectively.

Conclusion: The TI-ATA model offers a comprehensive framework for social work practice that acknowledges the interconnectedness of trauma, advocacy, and social justice. This integration addresses individual needs and facilitates systemic change, promoting the empowerment of marginalized groups. Future research should focus on refining this model and exploring its implementation in diverse social work settings.