Trauma-Informed Care

It is estimated that 2 out of 3 youth will be exposed to some form of trauma before the age of 16. Traumatic experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, parental substance abuse, natural disasters and other life-altering events can deeply affect how a child perceives themselves and interacts with the world around them. These experiences can alter the way the brain develops, particularly in regions responsible for critical functions like problem-solving, emotional regulation and memory.

Extensive research over the years has shown that the effects of childhood trauma are far-reaching, contributing to significant health and social challenges later in life. From mental health disorders to difficulties in relationships and chronic physical conditions, the scars left by early trauma can shape an individual’s overall wellbeing for years to come. Understanding this connection is crucial in developing interventions that can help break the cycle and support healthier outcomes for those affected.

Childhood Trauma Has Lifelong Effects

The groundbreaking CDC-Kaiser ACE Study, conducted from 1995 to 1997, was the first to examine the profound link between early childhood adversity and long-term health outcomes. This pioneering research revealed that ACEs were not only common but that many individuals had experienced multiple forms of trauma—highlighting the widespread nature of childhood adversity and its far-reaching effects.

Since the initial study, several influential research efforts have further expanded our understanding of ACEs, including, but not limited to:

These studies have significantly deepened our knowledge of how early trauma impacts not only mental health, but also long-term physical health, behavior and social functioning. Research has consistently shown that ACEs are linked to a wide range of negative outcomes, from chronic diseases and mental health disorders to higher risks of substance abuse and involvement in the criminal justice system.

As the body of research continues to grow, the need for trauma-informed care, early intervention and prevention programs has never been more urgent. Addressing the effects of ACEs is critical in mitigating their long-term consequences and offering support to those affected can help break the cycle of trauma for future generations.

Exposure to abuse, neglect, family disruption and violence causes high levels of stress within a person’s body. When this stress overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope, it is called toxic stress or traumatic stress.

The more toxic stress someone experiences, the more challenging it can be for the person to overcome future stress. Again, this is due to the way adversity affects a person’s brain development. Toxic stress also affects communities because the resulting health problems like depression, diabetes, heart disease and cancer are costly and can adversely affect job performance.

A Trauma-Informed Approach by SAMHSA

A trauma-informed approach to care replaces the question of “What’s wrong with you?” with “What happened to you?” Understanding trauma and its impact on the brain, emotions, behaviors and ultimately health leads to healing.

According to SAMHSA, a trauma-informed approach:

Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery
Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff and others involved with the system
Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures and practices
Resists re-traumatization

With a trauma-informed approach, a child’s treatment is focused on providing safe environments, practicing self-regulation and cognitive processing skills and identifying resources to support the child as they transition back to their home community.

Every child responds to trauma differently. He or she may withdraw, become physically or verbally aggressive, have difficulty forming healthy relationships, struggle in school or make unhealthy choices. It’s important to train every adult involved in the child’s life so that they can help the child cope with their triggers and behaviors in a trauma-informed way.

Discover how KVC Niles mental health care and transformative music therapy changed a young man’s life.

Listen to a sample of Michael’s song and lyrics to understand how he felt like he was at home at KVC Niles and got a second chance at life by learning how to find peace and calm, regulating his emotions and building resilience. Now Michael has a much brighter future with these mental and behavioral health tools to use. You can listen to Michael’s full song at https://youtu.be/WCBy7fxdpJ4?si=rklgGhCLGrvWnxfl

KVC Missouri has integrated trauma-informed care through all of our programs and services, ensuring that youth and families feel safe, supported and empowered. By recognizing the widespread impact of trauma, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each person, integrating principles of safety, trust and collaboration into every interaction. Our staff is trained to understand the effects of trauma and its influence on behavior, providing compassionate care that avoids re-traumatization while fostering resilience and healing. Whether through mental health services, foster care support or educational programs, KVC Missouri creates an environment where individuals can rebuild trust, regain control and work towards long-term emotional and physical wellbeing.

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