Supporting Brain Development in Traumatized Children and Youth

Series Title: Bulletins for Professionals

Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published: 2017

(PDF - 281 KB)

This bulletin summarizes the effects of early trauma on brain development and looks at steps child welfare professionals can take to screen for developmental delays and identify the trauma-affected children and youth in their care. It also looks at ways to access cross-sector, therapeutic, and evidence-based treatment to encourage healthy recovery for trauma-affected children and youth.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding trauma and brain development

Encouraging healthy brain development

Screening children for services and working with other providers

Treatment for trauma-affected children and youth

Conclusion

References

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT)
(Issue Briefs)
Understanding the Effects of Maltreatment on Brain Development
(Issue Briefs)
Addressing the Needs of Young Children in Child Welfare: Part C—Early Intervention Services
(Bulletins for Professionals)

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2017). Supporting brain development in traumatized children and youth. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.