The Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma was developed in response to an industry need identified by Australian Childhood Foundation and has been running since 2010. 11390NAT Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma is the third iteration of the course and has been adjusted and updated based on further industry consultation.

This course is designed to provide degree-qualified professionals with the specialist knowledge and skills needed to work effectively and ethically with children and young people affected by trauma and their families and communities. The changing evidence base about the neuroscience of trauma and attachment disruption continues to inform the practice of professionals who work with vulnerable and at-risk children, young people and families.

Course Outcomes:  

This course is intended to provide participants with the following vocational outcomes: 

  • Articulate the impact of developmental trauma, stemming from abuse, neglect, and family violence, on children and young people’s development, functioning, and behaviour.
  • Develop and conduct developmental trauma-responsive assessments with children and young people.
  • Develop and implement relationship-based interventions that address the unmet needs of children and young people affected by developmental trauma.
  • Consider and manage the potential impacts, on individuals and teams, of working with children and young people affected by developmental trauma.
  • Synthesise and integrate current research and reform agendas into their own practice with children and young people affected by developmental trauma.
  • Investigate and develop professional environments that support a trauma-informed approach to working with children and young people affected by developmental trauma.
  • Develop a child-centred and trauma- informed framework for responding to the needs of children and young people affected by developmental trauma. 

Information for prospective students

Throughout the course these are some of the activities you will need to complete: 

  • Working directly with children and young people in your practice
  • Effectively participating in a Community of Practice with other practitioners through attending tutorials and the sharing of practice examples of working with children, young people and families. 
  • Completing a reflective journal about working with trauma-informed practice with children, young people and/or families
  • Developing case studies about implementing trauma-informed theory into practice
  • Implementing trauma-informed practice strategies in the workplace including assessment and intervention
  • Allocating 640 hours to study for this course 

Before enrolling, review the list above to ensure that you will be able to complete the requirements.

The course is delivered 100% online over a year consisting of four 10-week unit blocks separated by a 2 week break. Each unit consists of four online learning modules, two live tutorials (recorded for flexibility) and a series of assessment tasks that can include:  

  • Simulations and/or roleplays
  • Case studies
  • Written short answer questions
  • Assessment reports
  • Intervention plans
  • Practice frameworks
  • Infographics
  • Online discussions
  • Recorded oral presentations
  • Critical reflections. 

The cost of the 11390NAT Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma is $6,500. 

The course cost includes: 

  •  Access to online content modules, including additional learning materials, interactive activities, and knowledge checks
  • Assessment marking, guidance, feedback, and support
  • Support from Course Intake Coordinators, Facilitators, and the Support Services team
  • Regular tutorials 

To find out more about the course including eligibility requirements, unit details, course structure and frequently asked questions access the GCDT course information brochure via the button.

GCDT course information brochure

If you have any questions, please contact our Support Services team at support@childhood.org.au 

2026 intake is yet to be announced. Please click the button below to submit an expression of interest and to be added to the waitlist.

Express your interest in GCDT

The period of accreditation is 29/08/2025 – 28/08/2030 

The copyright owner of the course, and its units of competency, is Australian Childhood Foundation 

There are no equivalent qualifications 

RTO 22094 

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If you are currently or interested in learning with us, click the button below for key information about studying with Australian Childhood Foundation’s RTO.

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