Navigating through Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue within Efforts to Support System-Involved Youth

Briana Moore, MSW

Training Description

In providing services/support for youth who are system involved, there is a close connection between the service/support provider and the youth being served. This relationship exposes service/support providers to the distress and pain experienced by mothers, fathers, children, and transitional-aged youth. Providers are strengthened through empathy and a desire to alleviate pain and suffering. Caseloads invariably include system-involved youth who are living with the impact of trauma, death, violence, fear, poverty, depression, hopelessness, helplessness and a myriad of other physical and mental health issues. As a result, the question is not whether distress will appear because of this exposure, but to what extent. There is no doubt that there is an impact. Vicarious trauma, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue are some of the words used and that will be distinguished and explained.

By understanding and addressing vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, service/support providers are better…