Resources on Trauma for Caregivers and Families

The following resources help caregivers and families understand trauma and its impact as well as learn how to better support traumatized children and youth in their care. Resources include State and local examples.

Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Workshop for Resource Parents
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2010)
Presents a training that helps foster or kinship caregivers understand the link between trauma and child behavior and gives them practical tools to help children move forward from their traumatic pasts. The training also helps caregivers recognize and reduce the impact of their children's traumas on themselves and to seek useful support from others.

Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Child Sexual Abuse
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Provides parents and caregivers with tools to help them support children who have been victims of sexual abuse, information on the importance of talking to children and youth about body safety, and guidance on how to respond when children disclose sexual abuse.

Childhood Traumatic Grief Resources for Parents and Caregivers
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Provides information for parents and caregivers on their role in helping children learn healthy ways to manage their feelings, specifically as it relates to grief and loss.

Complex Trauma: Facts for Caregivers
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2014)
Provides resources to caregivers on supporting their child with complex trauma.

Stop Bullying.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Education & U.S. Department of Justice
Provides information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying.

Trauma-Informed Care for Children Exposed to Violence: Tips for Parents and Other Caregivers (PDF - 376 KB)
Safe Start Center (2011)
Reviews warning signs of violence exposure in children and youth, ways caregivers can support children, and when to seek help.

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State and local examples

Trauma Informed Practice Strategies (T.I.P.S.) for Foster Parents (PDF - 29 KB)
Portland State University, Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services (2009)
Presents strategies for supporting traumatized children such as providing comfort and structure, empathizing, supporting relationships, and advocating for the child.

Working With Children Who Have Been Traumatized (PDF - 543 KB)
Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center (2012)
Equips Wisconsin foster and adoptive parents with strategies for recognizing trauma symptoms, responding appropriately, and meeting children's needs.

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