Many children in the child welfare system have experienced complex trauma. Complex trauma occurs when children are exposed to multiple traumatic events over time that are severe, pervasive, and interpersonal in nature, such as repeated abuse and neglect, and cause long-term harmful consequences (National Child Traumatic Stress Network [PDF - 87 KB]). Complex trauma may interfere with a child's ability to form secure attachments to caregivers and many other aspects of healthy physical and mental development. In this section, find resources to help support children in your care who have experienced complex trauma, including specific trainings.
Childhood Trauma
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Provides articles and webinars on childhood trauma, the impact of trauma on children, and trauma-informed parenting practices.
Childhood Traumatic Grief: Information for Parents and Caregivers
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2019)
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.
Data at a Glance: Completing Treatment Vs. Ending Early Is Better for Kids - What Caregivers Should Know
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2019)
Explains to parents and caregivers the importance of completing therapeutic treatment in order to remediate the negative effects of trauma in the lives of their children and youth.
Data at a Glance: Dissociation and PTSD - What Parents Should Know
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2018)
Informs parents and caregivers about how they can support children and youth experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder and dissociation, including learning more about trauma, paying attention during times of dissociation, and communicating with a doctor or therapist.
Parenting Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Abuse or Neglect
Parents and Caregivers
Center for Child Trauma Assessment, Services and Interventions
Provides guidance to parents and caregivers on how to speak with children and youth about their experiences as well as five key behaviors that parents and caregivers can adopt to create a supportive environment.
Traumatic Experiences
Sesame Street in Communities
Provides activities and resources designed to help child welfare professionals and parents help children address and heal prior traumatic experiences. There are also resources specific to children in foster care.
Training
Educational Trainings for Parent Groups and Professionals
Center for Adoption Support and Education
Provides multiple trainings for caregivers and professionals on a variety of topics related to parenting adopted children, from adopting older youth and teens to attachment disorders.
Trauma-Free World
Provides trauma-informed care training for people who interact with children frequently, from foster parents to school personnel. The trainings are provided in multiple languages and continuing education units are available. A cost is associated with purchasing or attending a training.
Trauma-Informed Care Training
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Offers a free, 2-hour online training on the impact of trauma for professionals and caregivers. The training is available in English and in Spanish.
Trauma Systems Therapy for Foster Care (TST-FC)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2017)
Offers a four-part training on a trauma-informed curriculum for foster parents. The training includes a foster parent resource guide and a guide to help children manage their emotions.