- Home
- » Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect
- » Treatment & Trauma-Informed Care
- » Resources on Trauma for Caregivers and Families
Resources on Trauma for Caregivers and Families
The following resources help caregivers and families understand trauma and its impact as well as learn how to better support traumatized children and youth in their care. Resources include State and local examples.
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Offers information about child traumatic stress and how to help traumatized children.
The Amazing Brain: Trauma and the Potential for Healing (PDF - 554 KB)
Chamberlain (2009)
Helps caregivers of traumatized children understand six basic facts about trauma and brain development and equips them with tips and resources for supporting children.
Attachment, Development, and the Impact of Trauma: What Adoptive Parents Need to Know
Schooler & Atwood (2008)
In The Whole Life Adoption Book: Realistic Advice for Building a Healthy Adoptive Family
View Abstract
Describes attachment, aspects of child development affected by early attachment experiences, and the impact trauma can have on the attachment of adopted children. The chapter also identifies domains of impairment in children exposed to complex trauma.
Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Workshop for Resource Parents
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2010)
Presents a training that helps foster or kinship caregivers understand the link between trauma and child behavior and gives them practical tools to help children move forward from their traumatic pasts. The training also helps caregivers recognize and reduce the impact of their children's traumas on themselves and to seek useful support from others.
Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Child Sexual Abuse
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Provides parents and caregivers with tools to help them support children who have been victims of sexual abuse, information on the importance of talking to children and youth about body safety, and guidance on how to respond when children disclose sexual abuse.
Healing Ourselves for Our Children (PDF - 628 KB)
McCarthy (Ed.)
Rise, 11, 2008
Offers articles written by parents about addressing their own childhood experiences of maltreatment or foster care in order to heal from trauma and become stronger parents.
Stop Bullying.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Education & U.S. Department of Justice
Provides information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying.
Trauma-Informed Care for Children Exposed to Violence: Tips for Parents and Other Caregivers (PDF - 735 KB)
Safe Start Center (2011)
Reviews warning signs of violence exposure in children and youth, ways caregivers can support children, and when to seek help.
State and local examples
Trauma Informed Practice Strategies (T.I.P.S.) for Foster Parents (PDF - 29 KB)
Portland State University, Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services (2009)
Presents strategies for supporting traumatized children such as providing comfort and structure, empathizing, supporting relationships, and advocating for the child.
Trauma Informed Practice Strategies (T.I.P.S.) for Parents (PDF - 29 KB)
Portland State University, Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services (2009)
Presents strategies for supporting traumatized children such as focusing on the child's needs, collaborating with agencies, advocating for services, and understanding risk and protective factors.
Working With Children Who Have Been Traumatized (PDF - 95 KB)
Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center (2008)
Equips Wisconsin foster and adoptive parents with strategies for recognizing trauma symptoms, responding appropriately, and meeting children's needs.