Embedding psychological thinking within a local authority children and young people’s service; supporting, developing, and nurturing the workforce to work in a trauma informed way from the inside out

Abstract

This article provides an overview of some of the psychologically informed practice of supporting young people, their families and the people supporting them within Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS) in Suffolk County Council (SCC). The overview outlines the approach and experiences of the Psychology Support Service (PSS; formerly known as Suffolk Family Focus Psychology Service). The PSS enables practitioners and managers across CYPS to access specialist psychological support to enable practitioners to support children, young people, and families with a range of needs. The PSS works closely with stakeholders including frontline practitioners, managers, and workforce development. The article, therefore, also includes reflections from practice management (Early Help) and workforce development management about psychological and trauma informed practice within CYPS. It is clear from the evidence, and from our own work within PSS, that working in a psychologically and trauma-informed way is important to meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people and those who are supporting them.The Psychology Support Service: Who we are, Why we do it and What we do.