Children and trauma

At Children's Wisconsin, we believe that kids deserve the best care – and that includes kids who have experienced trauma. We understand the impact that adverse childhood experiences have on health outcomes for kids and families, and we respond with trauma-informed practices to help heal trauma, avoid retraumatization, and foster resilience.

In caring for kids and families, we embrace a trauma-informed perspective and ask "What has happened to you?" rather than "What is wrong with you?"

Part of our commitment to trauma-informed care is sharing our expertise and evidence-based information with parents, families, providers, and community members. The following resources can help.

For parents

• Learn more about traumatic childhood stress
• Learn about adverse childhood experiences
• Learn about behaviors that a child who has experienced trauma may show
• Learn how to calm a child who is experiencing trauma-induced stress
• Learn about Project Ujima - a program that supports the needs of youth and families who have experienced violence

For providers and educators

• The Institute for Child and Family Well-Being, a partnership between Children's and UW-Milwaukee: Policy, research & interventions
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: childhood trauma and trauma care
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services: elements of a trauma-informed approach to care
• Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child: research and innovation
• U.S. Administration for Children & Families: resources for schools
• USA today Network/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: documentary and toolkit for suicide prevention

Caring for and preventing trauma is just one part of what we do as we care for the mental and behavioral health needs of kids. Learn more about our commitment to kids mental health.

For potential foster parents

• Learn how to become a foster parent.