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Trauma-Informed Care Improves Children's Behavioral, Emotional Health

According to data released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), children and youths affected by traumatic events improve their functioning in community-based “system of care” programs. Traumatic events can include witnessing or experiencing physical or sexual abuse; violence in families and communities; natural disasters; wartime events and terrorism; accidental or violent death of a loved one; and a life-threatening injury or illness.

The report, "Helping Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Traumatic Events," shows that after 12 months of accessing services within a community-based system of care, 44% of children and youths improved their school attendance, 41% improved their grades, and youths suicide attempts fell by 64%. In addition, the number of youths reporting arrests in the past 6 months fell by 36%. A “system of care” is the organizational philosophy and framework designed to create a network of effective community-based services and supports to improve the lives of children and youths with or at risk of serious mental health conditions and their families.

Similarly the report shows that children and youths receiving trauma specific services delivered through SAMHSA funded programs experienced a 20% drop in the number experiencing problems at school, a 59% drop in the number with problems with suicidality, and a 57% drop in number of children engaging in delinquent behavior after 6 months of service. Overall, youths served by this specialized approach showed significant reductions in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.

“More than a quarter of the children in the United States will be exposed to a traumatic event before turning 4 years old,” says SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, JD. “Severe trauma can alter brain activity patterns in children that can lead to mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. It is critically important that they get the specialized services and supports that work to build resilience.”

— Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration