Children’s Advocacy Centers have always played an important role in helping identify child abuse and maltreatment. But the work does not stop there. Today, we also need to understand how trauma can affect a child and make sure children get the support they need to heal. This is important because the effects of trauma are not always easy to see. A child may look happy, calm or “fine” on the outside while still having a hard time inside.1
Not every child who experiences maltreatment will need mental health treatment. Many children are very resilient and can recover with support from family, caregivers and others. But being resilient does not always mean a child is not struggling. So how can we know which children may need extra help? We cannot rely on what we see alone. This is where trauma screeners and standardized trauma assessments can help.1
A trauma screener is a short tool that helps identify children who may be having trauma-related concerns. Trained professionals who are not mental health clinicians can use many screening tools. This makes screening a practical way to help more children get the right support, and are not overlooked.1 If a screener shows that a child may need more support, the next step may be a standardized trauma assessment. A mental health professional conducts this assessment to better understand a child’s experiences, symptoms, strengths and needs. It may include information from:
- The child
- Parents or caregivers
- The multidisciplinary team
- Behavioral observations
- Validated assessment tools
Assessment should not be a box that we check once and forget. It should be part of the care process. Checking in during treatment can show whether a child is making progress. If the child is not improving, the treatment plan can be changed. Another assessment at the end of treatment can help show what worked, what did not work, and what support may still be needed. Trauma screeners, standardized assessments, and effective treatments all play an important role in helping children heal.1
If your child has experienced abuse or another traumatic event, you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Even if your child seems okay, it is worth talking with a trusted professional about how they are doing. A trauma screening can help identify concerns that may not be easy to see.2 Every child deserves to be understood, supported, and given a clear path toward healing. Your child does not have to face trauma alone. With the right support, children and families can heal and move forward. If you are interested in becoming an Advocate for the Innocent member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/.
1 – https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/why-trauma-screeners-and-standardized-assessments-matter/
2 – https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/what-is-cftsi/
3 – Image by Freepik/Magnific