On 30 November 2017, CCATS held its fourth conference “Moving Forward – Working with young people: Research and innovation” in Manchester. The event showcased the research of the CCATS team to practitioners working with young people and reflected their evidence-based approach towards the application of knowledge in clinical practice. This can have real impact for the people we support.
During the event, presentations covered a range of topics that reflected the diversity of interests and skills in the CCATS team, including secondary trauma, child sexual exploitation, aggression, institutional abuse, self-injury and posttraumatic growth. All presentations addressed areas of research that are lacking in the wider literature, thus demonstrating innovation and promoting the latest knowledge.
Dr. Carol Ireland presented her systematic review on secondary
trauma in professionals working with traumatised children, co-authored with
intern Sonia Huxley, which has now been accepted for publication in the Journal
of Forensic Practice (congratulations!) This review draws attention to the idea
that working with traumatised children can be potentially traumatising to
professionals, an area often overlooked. The presentation identified key themes
of the secondary trauma experience, and made recommendations to support
professionals in their practice.
Kirsty Alderson discussed her PhD research on child sexual exploitation. She
identified factors that should be considered when assessing the impact of CSE
on a young person’s development. An individualised needs assessment was key to
supporting young people, which considers both risk and resilience factors.
In her presentation, Professor Jane Ireland provided an introduction to the aggression literature. There was a need to acknowledge the motivations for aggressive behaviours, including assessing a range of emotions, thoughts and beliefs, environmental factors and instances of non-aggression, rather than focusing on typologies. Together, these could be combined to provide a more holistic formulation of behaviour.
The afternoon presentations began with a talk from Rebecca Ozanne on institutional abuse. Currently in the early stages of her PhD, Rebecca outlined the results of her systematic review on factors that promoted negative symptoms and strength among those who have experienced in-care or institutional abuse. There was a need to dispel myths that all people who are institutionally abused go on to abuse others, and to help individuals to recognise strengths and talents, thereby enhancing well-being.
Charlotte Caton, who is in the latter stages of her PhD, presented her research on self-injury. Charlotte presented her own model of self-injury to help understand the reasons why people engage in self-injurious behaviour. She encouraged practitioners working with young people who self-injure to focus on their strengths and consider the various reasons why people may engage in this behaviour.
Finally, Matt Brooks (University of Central Lancashire), who is in the final stages of his PhD, presented his research on posttraumatic growth. He introduced the idea some people can also report positive changes following traumatic experiences, shifting the sole focus away from the negative symptoms. Matt discussed the impact of childhood trauma on adults and the PTG research on children. The presentation recommended practitioners focus on promoting positive thought processes and the social environment to encourage growth in young traumatised children.
The event was well-received. Here are some comments from attendees:
“Presentations were thorough and well-presented, demonstrating key knowledge and experience.”
“Good overview of the varied specialisms within CCATS.”
“There was a clear application to practice.”
“I was able to relate to behaviours displayed by young people within my care, and have new ideas on how to challenge and manage these more effectively.”
All that is left to be said is a big thank you to all of the speakers and CCATS staff involved in putting this event together and making it a success!
