Understanding Child Trauma

This resource is from National Child Traumatic Stress Network

 

“Child traumatic stress occurs when children and adolescents are exposed to traumatic events and this exposure overwhelms their ability to cope with what they have experienced.

Prior to age 16, two-thirds of children in the U.S. are exposed to a traumatic event, such as:

  • physical, sexual, or psychological abuse and neglect (including family violence)
  • natural and technological disasters
  • community violence, trafficking, or terrorism
  • sudden or violent loss of a loved one
  • substance use disorder (personal or familial)
  • refugee and war experiences (including torture)
  • serious accidents or life-threatening illness
  • military family-related stressors (e.g., deployment, parental loss or injury)”

Access the full resource here