Trauma-Informed Care: Healing Support for Traumatized Children

Children who experience trauma through child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, school violence, and community violence are at risk for a host of behavioral, emotional and learning challenges. However, trauma-informed care and treatment can mitigate both the short- and long-term effect of these adverse life experiences. This workshop examines the impact of trauma on children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and the protective factors that promote resilience. Additionally, evidence-based mental health treatment, school-based practices, and caregiver approaches within a trauma-informed framework will be provided.

Learning Objectives

· Identify school-based practices that lessen traumatized children’s concentration, memory and

      behavioral challenges and increase resilience traits.

· Identify the types of trauma and the ways in which it impacts the developing brain, particularly in the early childhood years.

· Analyze traumatized children’s emotions, behavior and learning through a neuroscientific lens.

· Address children and families’ traumatic stress reactions and experiences.

· Utilize an array of trauma-informed mental health interventions to enhance children’s ability to process trauma, enhance emotional regulation, and develop anxiety management skills.

· Support caregivers of traumatized children by providing information on traumatic stress reaction symptoms and recommending parenting approaches that mitigate the short- and long-term effects of trauma.