Trauma Systems Therapy for Foster Care

Trauma Systems Therapy for Foster Care (TST-FC) is a model of care for children and adolescents in foster care who have been exposed to trauma. This series aims to help facilitators and caregivers effectively implement the TST-FC model in an effort to promote healing and resilience among children.

The resources included in this series will help build a deeper understanding of the effects of trauma and assist caregivers in implementing an integrated treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of traumatized youth. Access the TST-FC resources.

The Impact of Trauma

Facilitator’s Guide for Module One of TST-FC

This facilitator guide helps trainers explain trauma and its effects on children, as part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Trauma Systems Therapy series.

Strategies to Address Trauma

Facilitator’s Guide for Module Two of TST-FC

This facilitator guide trains caregivers on using Trauma Systems Therapy to promote healing in children with trauma histories.

Coping With Difficult Behavior

Facilitator’s Guide to Module Three of TST-FC

This facilitator guide trains caregivers on using Trauma Systems Therapy to cope with challenging behaviors in foster care.

Generating Signals of Safety

Facilitator’s Guide for Module Four of TST-FC

This facilitator guide trains caregivers on using Trauma Systems Therapy to provide children with signals of safety.

The Foster Parent Resource Guide

TST-FC: A Trauma-Informed Caregiving Approach

This TST-FC guide helps foster parents support children affected by trauma with tips, tools and strategies to promote healing and continued learning.

Survey and Feedback Materials for TST-FC

This document includes surveys to assess learning from TST-FC training, plus a feedback form for facilitators on what worked and what didn’t.

Managing Emotions Guide

The Managing Emotions Guide offers three short pages of simple questions to help children understand and manage their emotions.

Implementing Trauma Systems Therapy for Foster Care (TST-FC)

A Guide for Child Welfare Agencies

The TST-FC training helps foster parents support healing. This guide offers tools, tips and posters for agencies adding it to their in-service trainings.

Facilitator Preparation and Planning for TST-FC

This facilitator guide for TST-FC offers tips on scheduling, preparing and delivering the four-part trauma training curriculum.