The Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma 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.

Learning 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.

Items to review before applying

1. Student handbook
2. Course brochure
3. USI flyer
4. Privacy notice

Application and enrolment process

Step 1: Complete the application form
Use the link provided below to commence the application process. You will be asked a series of information questions about yourself and your role. In order to enroll in this course, you need to complete the form all the way to the end, where you'll receive a notification on screen that you have successfully completed it. 

As part of your application, please ensure you have:

1. Your current resume
2. Your Unique Student Identifier (USI).

You will also be asked to complete a short digital literacy self-assessment, and a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) quiz will be sent to you via our LLN Robot platform. Assessing students’ Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) skills is an essential step in ensuring compliance and supporting learner success. 

Step 2: Application review
Your application will be reviewed by our Course Coordinators to determine your eligibility against the course pre-requisites.

Step 3: Application outcome
You will receive an email advising the outcome of your application.
If successful, you will receive a link to complete your enrolment. If we require additional information, we may contact you by phone or email.

During the enrolment process, you will be asked to provide:

• A copy of your Working with Children Check (or equivalent)
• Copies of your qualifications

Step 4: Enrolment confirmation
Once your enrolment is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email and an invoice. You will also receive details on how to access your induction module via the learner portal. Further information about course commencement and online learning access will be provided closer to your start date.

If you have any questions, please email support@childhood.org.au.