Trauma-Informed Care Resources

Trauma-Informed Care Resources

Many people have experienced trauma in their lives. Trauma is complex in nature and can produce profound outcomes for children and adults. As helping professionals, it is important that we understand the impact of trauma and the importance of trauma-informed care. This page contains resources and tools to aid in that process.

As an overview, below are a few definitions of trauma.
Trauma according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway:
“Trauma is an emotional response to an intense event that threatens or causes harm. The harm can be physical or emotional, real or perceived, and it can threaten the child or someone close to him or her. Trauma can be the result of a single event, or it can result from exposure to multiple events over time. Potentially traumatic events may include: ƒ
  • Abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional) ƒ
  • Neglect
  •  Effects of poverty (such as homelessness or not having enough to eat) ƒ
  •  Being separated from loved ones ƒ
  • Bullying ƒ
  • Witnessing harm to a loved one or pet (e.g., domestic or community violence) ƒ
  • Natural disasters or accidents ƒ
  • Unpredictable parental behavior due to addiction or mental illness
Complex trauma according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation:
“Complex trauma describes the problem of children’s exposure to multiple or prolonged traumatic events and the impact of this exposure on their development. Typically, complex trauma exposure involves the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of child maltreatment—including psychological maltreatment, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and domestic violence—that is chronic, begins in early childhood, and occurs within the primary caregiving system.”
The links below include trauma-informed intervention ideas and tips. 

Parents with Trauma Histories in the CW System-A Guide for Workers

Parents with Trauma Histories in the Child Welfare System-A Guide for Parents

Trauma Fact Sheet for Providers