Childhood Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

August 21, 2024 Lee Hartman

Since the landmark adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study nearly 30 years ago, it has become clear that childhood trauma is widespread in our communities. The problem is so pervasive that in 2019 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared childhood trauma a public health issue.

As we head into another “back to school” season, it’s important to consider how we can best support children who are coping with trauma. Promoting and implementing trauma-informed approaches when working with children is one way to do that.

Trauma-informed practices, sometimes called trauma-informed care, is an approach to working with others that recognizes trauma is widespread. With this knowledge, persons in service positions assume those they work with have experienced some form of trauma and create an interpersonal and physical environment that prioritizes safety and healing while preventing retraumatization.

Many schools already have trauma-sensitive training, policies, and procedures, but I would like to see trauma-informed practices embraced by EVERY person who interacts with children, in any environment. This could include coaches, children/youth leaders in religious communities or community organizations, private music teachers, day care providers, volunteers, and more.

There are many professional trainings and certifications for trauma sensitivity, but you can work on becoming trauma-informed right away by doing some basic research. You can also begin implementing trauma-informed practices in your day-to-day interactions with children. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) lists six key principles to trauma-informed practices. Here are some examples of how you can integrate these principles into your daily interactions with children (or with anyone):

Don’t force children to hug you or others and ask permission before touching them. Create a “peace corner” or “safe zone” where children can go to self-regulate.
Trustworthiness and transparency. Keep your word. Be consistent in how you show up and interact with others each day – avoid surprises. If plans change, make children aware ahead of time and ask if this causes them concern or worry. If it does, strategize about how to manage the situation ahead of time.
Peer support. Help children develop healthy peer relationships by explaining and enforcing healthy peer-to-peer boundaries. Foster a sense of belonging by actively demonstrating acceptance of differences. Do not force children to “play” with other children when they are reluctant to do so. Explore the resistance to see if there is a legitimate concern.
Collaboration and mutuality. Share your observations about individual children with appropriate people, such as school counselors. Provide referrals to health and social services when possible. Collaborate with others in the child’s life (parents, coaches, teachers, etc.) to ensure consistency in how problem behaviors are addressed.
Empowerment, voice, and choice. When possible, let children make choices for themselves. Help children identify what they’re good at and encourage a growth mindset.
Cultural, historical, and gender issues. Be aware of any potential language barriers and pronoun preferences, and ensure you have the resources to communicate effectively. Be aware of different children’s beliefs, customs, and traditions and make accommodation for them when possible.

Finding a solution to the public health crisis of childhood trauma will be a long and complex task, but being trauma-informed and using trauma-informed practices is one way that we can help children successfully navigate the impacts of trauma in their day-to-day lives.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health challenges, professional help is available. Valeo’s Crisis Center, 400 SW Oakley Avenue in Topeka, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for walk-in mental health emergencies. In case of a behavioral health crisis, contact 988 or the Valeo 24-Hour Crisis Line at 785-234-3300.

By Laura Sidlinger, DNP, PMHNP-bc, Valeo Behavioral Health Care