Trauma occurring during childhood or adolescence can have a substantial impact on adolescent development. The resources in this section provide professionals with the tools to understand the impact of trauma on adolescents, as well as examples of approaches to working with youth who have experienced traumatic events.
Understanding the Effect of Trauma
Early Adverse Experiences and the Developing Brain
Bick & Nelson (2016)
Neuropsychopharmacology, 41
Reviews evidence suggesting that early exposure to adverse experiences involving child maltreatment in a family setting negatively affects the developing brain in ways that increase risk of problems. The article later explains they hope to improve outcomes with prevention and intervention services for children and families.
Excessive Stress Disrupts the Architecture of the Developing Brain
Harvard University, Center on the Developing Child
Discusses how coping with various types of stress is an important part of healthy child development and how when confronted with toxic stress, the response can be extreme, long-lasting, and lead to lifelong repercussions.
PTSD in Children and Adolescents
Hamblen & Barnett (2016)
Discusses the incidence and effect of post-traumatic stress disorder on children and teens and some possible treatments.
The Teen Years: Brain Development and Trauma Recovery
Libertin (2019)
Adoptalk
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Guides parents and caregivers in developing parenting strategies that prioritize family connection and establish trust.
Trauma Types
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Outlines various types of traumatic events that children and youth can experience. Each topic provides more resources on the subject for further information.
| Series Title | Issue Briefs |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 443KB) Order (Free) |
| Year Published | 2015 |
Tools and Treatment
Getting Help
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Highlights the youth perspective of mental illness and trauma. The section provides resources for youth experiencing hardship who are in need of assistance. This is a platform for youth voices.
Helping Your Child Heal From Trauma
Child Welfare Information Gateway (2017)
Describes how trauma can affect child and adolescent development and behavior and includes suggestions for how parents and caregivers can help.
Trauma Treatments
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Highlights evidence-based and evidence-supported interventions for children and youth who have experienced trauma.
Trauma Informed Practice With Young People in Foster Care (PDF - 447 KB)
Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative (2012)
Issue Brief, 5
Explains the trauma experienced by youth in foster care and how using trauma-informed practices to provide support and opportunities can promote healthy recovery and optimal brain development throughout adolescence and emerging adulthood. Reasons trauma occurs are discussed, as well as complex trauma and findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study that found the conversion of traumatic emotional experiences in childhood into organic disease later in life. An appendix provides examples of trauma-specific interventions for adolescents that are supported by clinical and research evidence.
Using Science and Technology Effectively
Capacity Building Center for States (2017)
Provides an overview of the links between adolescent brain development, trauma-responsive care, and the importance of normalcy. This brief also explains how this information can be used to work more effectively with young people in foster care.