Working with Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Developmental Perspective

Abstract

This chapter describes how the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) and the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) can be used to help children who have experienced trauma. Children and adolescents exposed to trauma are at risk for developing long-term behavioral, health, and social problems. Research is described that examines the effects of trauma on the brain and how childhood maltreatment during early development can physically alter the biological structure and functioning of the brain, resulting in lasting behavioral and physical health problems across the lifespan. This chapter highlights how TRM and CRM are excellent approaches for implementing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs within school and community settings. Child development and attachment are described in relation to using TRM/CRM.