ChildTrends.org is dedicated to improving the lives and prospects of children and youth through high quality research. Their latest report informs and advises providers of early child care and community partners of the importance of screenings and support for children who have experienced trauma.

Helping Young Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: Policies and Strategies for Early Care and Education provides information and background on the nature and causes of early childhood trauma, its impact on brain development, cognitive development and learning. How do we meet the needs of young children who have experienced trauma? Download the report here.

Nearly 35 million children in the United States have been exposed to some kind of trauma, such as an accidental injury, neglect, or abuse. Young children are at especially high risk of exposure compared with older children. Since early trauma can be hard to identify and address, the adults who care for young kids must be supported and trained in recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately.

This new report from Child Trends and the National Center for Children in Poverty explores the effects of trauma on young children and presents strategies for professionals who work with these children. The report also offers recommendations for policymakers who want to promote trauma-informed care for this vulnerable group.

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, “A trauma-informed child-and family-service system is one in which all parties recognize and respond to the impact of traumatic stress on those who have contact with the system, including children, caregivers, and service providers. Programs and agencies within such a system infuse and sustain trauma awareness, knowledge, and skills into their organizational cultures, practices, and policies. They act in collaboration with all those who are involved with the child, using the best available science, to facilitate and support the recovery and resiliency of the child and family.”

Image: ChildTrends.org accessed June 1, 2017.

Submitted by Kris Adams Wendt.