Indigenous Youth in the Canadian Child Welfare System in the Context of Trauma: A Human Ecological Perspective

Overrepresentation of Indigenous children and youth in the Canadian Child Welfare System (CWS) is a well-documented topic in research. Current research focuses on individual factors of trauma for Indigenous youth in the CWS. Through a human ecological framework, this study discusses the experiences of trauma among Indigenous youth in the CWS and relationships between early traumatic experiences in the CWS on youth’s well-being. Findings show that trauma experienced within systems surrounding youth during their experience in the CWS significantly impact their well-being. In response, impactful changes at policy level are suggested.