SAN ANTONIO – Signs of trauma and stress can show up differently depending on age. Younger children may react differently from older children or teens.
Trauma often occurs when children experience or witness abuse, neglect, mental illness, family dysfunction, or violence at home or in their immediate surroundings.
The link between trauma and most behavioral health and substance use disorders extends beyond childhood experiences, potentially leading to educational challenges, greater healthcare requirements, and even criminal offenses.
Trauma-informed care fosters an environment that is centered around the individual child. This approach supports and assists the child, providing them with the tools needed to achieve their goals and foster resilience and self-awareness.
KSAT Community Town Hall
KSAT Community hosted a town hall on the impact of trauma on children, focusing on trauma-informed care.
The event featured the following experts:
- Belinda Garcia-Rattenbury, executive director of the Institute for Trauma-Informed Care
- Dr. Gregory Williams, senior leadership, Baylor College of Medicine’s OB/GYN Department at Texas Children’s Hospital
- Carol Carver, senior vice president and CEO, Clarity Child Guidance Center
- Rick Edwards, director of Inpatient Acute and Partial Hospitalization Programs, Clarity Child Guidance Center
They discussed how trauma-informed care can support children by recognizing and addressing their unique needs.
The town hall was hosted on Wednesday by Ernie Zuniga.
Resources:
- Clarity Child Guidance Center; 210-616-0300
- Institute for Trauma-Informed Care; 210-644-8801
- Certification for Trauma-Informed Organizations; 210-616-0885
Videos about Trauma-Informed Care
KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union. Click here to read about other KSAT Community efforts. Interested in partnering with KSAT Community? Get in touch by filling out this form.
