Haruv institute - Leading Principles in Trauma-Informed Child Representation

welfare services) of the broader context of the child’s response. By identifying and locating the trauma triggers, the lawyer can examine how it is possible to adapt the legal proceeding to the specific needs of the child, as well as explain and mediate the child’s reactions to the decision-makers in their case. – Idea for practice: You may see the child sitting with a hoodie on his head and reacting indifferently when you ask questions. The child does not do this because they are unconcerned but because they are facing the challenging situation of participating in a welfare decision-making committee in the presence of their parents and strange professionals, and it is difficult for them to talk about boarding school life. Communicate this to the other committee participants and make sure that no negative interpretation is attributed to the child’s behavior. In conclusion, identifying and mediating trauma triggers, and preparing the child for them, are ethical and humane requirements which can also encourage and promote a decision-making process that acknowledges the specific child’s reality and allows them to make their voice heard authentically and safely. 4. Connecting to security and support anchors in the child’s life • Mapping risk and resilience factors in the child’s life: Children’s abilities and motivation to participate in legal proceedings are based not only on personal factors such as age, individual development, and specific life experiences, but also on social factors. The intersection of identities, such as gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (micro level factors) shape the unique life experiences of people and families and reflect systems and structures of favoritism and exclusion at the social level (macro

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