TF-CBT in Norwegian Child Advocacy Centers

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a evidence-based treatment method for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and who struggle with post-traumatic stress symptoms. Since 2012, the Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS) has been responsible for implementing TF-CBT in child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics (BUP) on behalf of the Norwegian Directorate of Health. In this research project, we will test TF-CBT in Norwegian Child Advocacy Centers (CAC). Through interviews and questionnaire data, we will investigate factors that may affect the implementation and effect of the therapy in a CAC context.

 
2021 This project is ongoing 2025

Project Manager

Project Members

The study will investigate the following three research questions:

  1. How do children and caregivers experience receiving trauma treatment at Child Advocacy Centers?
  2. How do employees at Child Advocacy Centers experience providing trauma treatment within this context? How do they perceive their workdays, and can the use of evidence-based treatment act preventatively for workload? 
  3. What is the prevalence of burnout and secondary trauma symptoms among employees at Child Advocacy Centers, and can individual or job-related factors predict the occurrence? 

Research question 1: Interviews with children and caregivers after they have received treatment with TF-CBT. 

Research question 2: Interviews with professional staff at the Child Advocacy Centers. 

Research question 3: Questionnaire data from professional staff at all Child Advocacy Centers in Norway. 

The project has received ethical approval from REK 9.9.2020 and 26.1.2021, reference nr. 120884 as well as approved DPIA from NSD, reference nr. 469831.