What is Childhood Trauma?
How Trauma Manifests in Foster Children
Trauma affects every child differently, but there are common patterns caregivers may notice:
Acting out, aggression, or withdrawal may be a child’s way of expressing feelings they cannot put into words.
After being hurt or abandoned, children may struggle to form healthy attachments.
Loud noises, sudden changes, or reminders of past events can trigger intense reactions.
Trauma can interfere with concentration, learning, and developmental milestones.
Children may experience sudden mood swings, anger, or sadness that seem disproportionate to the situation.
Recognizing that these behaviors often stem from survival strategies rather than defiance is a critical step in providing effective support.
Building a Trauma-Informed Approach
Creating predictable routines, clear boundaries, and environments where children feel secure.
Building relationships through consistency, compassion, and positive reinforcement.
Encouraging children to make choices and express their feelings in healthy ways.
Learning what situations or cues may remind the child of past trauma and finding ways to minimize them.
Partnering with therapists, educators, and support networks trained in trauma care.
