Trauma-Informed Approaches

Challenge

Nearly half of all U.S. children are exposed to at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), such as abuse, neglect, incarceration of a family member, substance use in the home, divorce, or domestic violence. Potential long-term impacts of ACEs can include serious mental illness, health problems, unemployment, and addiction—particularly to opioids.

Research shows that using trauma-informed approaches positively impacts the recovery and healthy development of young children with ACEs. EDC is co-leading work to advance the use of effective trauma-informed approaches by highlighting new research and sharing the positive effects of these approaches on children, families, and communities.

Key Activities

The project aims to improve outcomes for trauma-affected children and families. EDC is carrying out the following activities:

Conduct a scan of trauma-informed programs to identify successful models
Host an expert convening to deepen understanding of the role of trauma-informed approaches in addressing ACEs
Conduct key informant interviews on the real-life application of trauma-informed approaches
Release an issue brief and hold a national webinar
Identify gaps and opportunities in the use of trauma-informed approaches to inform future policy and research

Impact

Co-authored a research summary highlighting the science of building resilience and the protective factors communities can provide for children and families
Identified 13 programs with promising approaches
Convened 52 experts on trauma-informed approaches from across the nation representing federal and local efforts
Engaged 270 people in a national webinar on trauma-informed approaches