Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma

Series Title: Factsheets for Families

Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published: 2014

(PDF - 495 KB)

This factsheet discusses the nature of trauma, especially abuse or neglect, the effects of trauma on children and youth, and ways to help a child who has experienced trauma. Parents or foster parents who do not understand the effects of trauma may misinterpret their child’s behavior, and attempts to address troubling behavior may be ineffective or, in some cases, even harmful. By understanding trauma, parents and foster parents can help support a child’s healing, the parent-child relationship, and their family as a whole.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is trauma?

The impact of untreated trauma

Understanding your child’s behavior

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

Parenting a Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused: A Guide for Foster and Adoptive Parents
(Factsheets for Families)
Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Abuse or Neglect
(Factsheets for Families)

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2014). Parenting a child who has experienced trauma. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.