Helping Children Navigate Through Trauma

Statistics indicate that 90% of children in the foster care system have experienced trauma. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) defines trauma as an “event or circumstance resulting in physical harm, emotional harm, and/or life-threatening harm.” https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence.

Trauma at a young age has several effects on the child. Some of these include issues or delays in brain development, emotion regulation, aggression and physical health issues. As a foster care parent, it is crucial we have the tools to help a child navigate through the trauma they have experienced. Lasting effects of childhood trauma extend beyond the traumatic event.

One way a foster parent can help is to start by looking for signs of trauma. Some signs include intense fear of separation, frequent behavioral outbursts, trouble concentrating, hypervigilance, difficulties with emotion regulation, and feelings of sadness. If your child is experiencing any of these signs the #1 thing to do is get them professional help. However, there are things at home you can do to make the child feel safe.

A stable environment is the first step toward healing for the child. Build stability and be consistent. Create routines and schedules for the child. The child will know what to expect and this will reduce anxiety and fear responses.

Designing a safe space in your home will promote calmness for the child. You can do this by creating a “calm area” with comfort items, reduce overstimulation by minimizing clutter and noise, or give them the opportunity to make choices in their environment.

Another way to help a child navigate through their trauma is to build a connection. This will take time, patience, and needs to be done intentionally. Ways to build a connection with the child is to use a calm, regulated voice, validate their feelings, keep things short and simple. Children who experience trauma often feel powerless, give them a voice and a choice. By giving the child choices, the child will develop confidence and self-regulation skills.

Challenging behaviors are common in children who have experienced trauma. How you respond to challenging behaviors is important. Reacting negatively will increase fear and shame in the child. Use the trauma-informed approach by praising good behaviors, set clear boundaries, redirect and use calm role modeling.

The #1 thing you can do to help a child navigate through trauma is to seek professional help for the child. Professionals can use specialized therapies to recognize the impact of the trauma and focus on safe ways for a child to rebuild trust. For more information on trauma-informed care visit https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/casework-practice/trauma-informed-practice/?top=243