Child Trauma/Trauma Informed Care

June, 2019

Jason Lang, Ph.D.

Child Health Development Institute (CHDI)

Childhood trauma exposure is a public health concern
Most U.S. children are exposed to trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACES), including violence, physical/sexual abuse, accidents, neglect, parent mental illness, etc.)
Most childhood trauma exposure is unreported; screening can improve early identification of children
Childhood trauma exposure is associated with problems with physical and mental health, suicide, substance abuse, school performance, and employment through adulthood
The costs for children maltreated in a single year are estimated to be $124 billion in future healthcare and social service costs
“Trauma-informed care” or a “trauma-informed approach” refers to strategies that a state, organization, system, or program can use to prevent, identify, and intervene early for children who may be exposed to trauma

This brief summarizes child trauma and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

Trauma-informed care is relevant to, and has been applied in, all child-serving settings, including behavioral health, child welfare, pediatrics, juvenile justice, education, law enforcement, early care and education, and home visiting
Trauma-informed care strategies include:
- Workforce development/staff training and support
- Screening and assessment to improve early identification of children
- Access to evidence-based trauma-focused prevention and intervention programs
- Organizational and policy changes to reflect research about trauma and consumer input
Barriers to implementation of trauma-informed care strategies include:
- Limited local/in-house expertise in childhood trauma
- Limited funding to support training and implementation activities
- High rates of staff turnover