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Childhood trauma has well-documented negative effects on children, including in the school setting. First Nations students are disproportionately exposed to trauma. However, limited research has explored teachers’ experiences in response to trauma-affected First Nations students. This study aimed to explore teachers’ experiences of supporting First Nations students with a trauma history. Ten teachers and school staff were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule, and the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from the interviews: (1) The Landscape of Trauma; (2) The Impact of Trauma; (3) Trust and Relationships; (4) An Individualised Approach; (5) Red Tape; and (6) The Silver Lining. Results showed that culturally responsive training is required to equip schools to support First Nations students with a trauma background. Future research should also evaluate the effectiveness of trauma-informed programs with marginalised student populations.

Childhood trauma can adversely impact academic performance, classroom behaviour, and student relationships. Research has gradually explored integrated approaches to care for traumatised students in schools. Increasingly, research has pointed to implementation of multi-tiered programs to trauma-informed care for traumatised students in schools. However, evaluations of these programs are limited and no systematic review of the existing evidence has been conducted. The aim of this research was to be the first systematic review to explore evidence on multi-tiered, trauma-informed approaches to address trauma in schools. Results of this systematic review yielded 13 published and unpublished studies. Findings indicated that further research, guided by empirical evidence of the effectiveness of multi-tiered and trauma-sensitive approaches in schools, is required. Recommendations for research in the area of trauma-sensitive, multi-tiered care in schools are provided.

Although teachers and other school staff encounter adolescents who self-injure, the behaviour evokes strong reactions. We (a) validated a measure of attitudes towards self-injury, (b) examined knowledge, confidence, and education needs regarding self-injury, and (c) explored the relationship between attitudes and responses to self-injury among 501 secondary school teachers and other school staff. Three factors reflecting participants’ attitudes were extracted. Experience was related to knowledge and confidence regarding self-injury, but not to attitudes. Thematic analysis of open-ended questions indicated a desire for education and resources. Implications for teacher education and school policies to support teachers in addressing self-injury are discussed.