An increasing awareness of the response to trauma has led to more trauma-informed training for foster caregivers, for children in foster care. These caregivers specific do’s and don’ts assist children with a history of trauma to adjust to life in a new and strange situation.

Traumatic events, which are outside the normal experience, creates a stress response in the children, causing reactions that may display as challenging behaviors.

Trauma is a psychological and distressing event that has happened to a child. These events can include abuse, death of a loved one, an accident, or a sudden separation.

Do’s In Caring For Children Who Have Been Traumatized

• Build routines – creating a predictable routine in the home and outside of the home for the child is important. With routine comes predictability and a sense of order that helps to create organization and structure internally as well as externally. When changes are going to happen in the routine, talk to the child about the changes as soon as possible. Allowing the child reasonable control in his or her day is also important.

• Encourage the child to talk at his or her own comfort level – caregivers should be attuned to when the child wants to talk about the trauma experienced. Let the child bring it up, on his or her own, but be open to listening and providing support and comfort for the child. Answer questions if you can, or find help in getting the answers.

• Be respectful of comfort levels – children who have been in traumatic situations may not be comforted by physical contact, such as being asked to give a hug. Instead, provide comfort at an appropriate level, and as the child initiates the contact, not as you may think is appropriate based on how other children interact.

• Talk with the child – share information on expectations on behavior, discipline practices, and consequences for non-compliance. Be consistent and fair as these children are often hypersensitive to the tone of voice and the volume of conversation. Always provide positive praise and recognition for a job well done.

Don’ts In Caring For Children Of Trauma

• Don’t personalize the child’s behavior – kids who have experienced trauma will act out and may express anger and frustration. Do not personalize this type of vocalization or behavior, but rather allow the feelings to be expressed without passing judgment.

• Don’t trigger trauma – watching a child can help to identify specific words, phrases, tone of voice, events, or activities that are triggered from the past. Watch the child and take note of changes the child exhibits to learn to avoid these triggers in the future.

• Don’t physically touch the child if he or she is upset – talk to a professional about any concerns with managing behavior. Touching, holding, or restraining a child who has been traumatized can increase the behavior and also create additional trauma.

• Don’t try to do it on your own – talking to a caseworker, a doctor, therapists, or a behavioral specialist can provide insight into the most effective way to deal with children who have been traumatized. It can also be very helpful for the child to work with a professional to address the trauma and to learn effective coping strategies.

Take the time to learn about trauma and how it impacts children. Learning the short and long-term effects of trauma can have is an eye-opening experience for most caregivers, and it helps them to create a comfortable, welcoming, and caring home for all children. Contact the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation or visit their website Affcf.org for more information.