Boundaries, endings and avoiding re-traumatisation

Trauma-informed practice aims to reduce avoidable re-traumatisation. Children can be triggered by raised voices, crowding, sarcasm, rough handling, unexpected touch, sudden room entry, repeated searching, public challenge, abrupt endings or by adults talking about them as if they are not present.

Boundaries remain necessary, but they must be applied without creating extra fear or humiliation. Endings also matter: many children have experienced multiple adults leaving, so staff changes, shift rotations, holidays and placement endings require careful handling.

Ways to avoid adding harm

• Use least intrusive responses: begin with the least intensive option consistent with safety.
• Explain what is happening: uncertainty can feel threatening, so give clear, simple information.
• Respect privacy and dignity: correcting behaviour in front of others can increase shame.
• Prepare for endings: sudden loss of trusted adults can be painful; plan handovers and goodbyes where possible.
• Stay professional: trauma-informed practice does not remove boundaries or substitute friendship for care.

Trauma-informed boundaries are still boundaries, but they do not need to feel like humiliation.