Children who enter the child welfare system have likely already experienced trauma. The service that aims to protect them should not cause further harm, and yet we know if often does. Separation from family through removal and placement in foster care often results in further trauma to a child.  Front-line social workers in child welfare can minimize and mitigate the trauma experienced by children during removal and placement if they use a trauma-informed approach. The information presented here is brief and practical. It can help you to improve children's experience and reduce the traumatic impact during a difficult time.