Like a Footprint in Wet Cement: Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Children

Victor Vieth, JD, MA

The ongoing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) studies out of Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Disease Control suggest that childhood maltreatment and family dysfunction are major risk factors for the leading causes of illness, death, and poor psychological adjustment in the United States. Cumulative adverse childhood events have a role in poor physical health, problematic health risk behaviors, learning challenges, behavior problems, and disease. This presentation will introduce participants to this research and discuss the importance of faith, medical, and mental health providers developing a holistic approach to addressing a child's needs.

Objectives

1. Examine a detailed description of the Adverse Childhood Experience research from the Centers for Disease Control.
2. Report additional research on the exposure of children to violence and other forms of trauma.
3. Name common medical, mental health, and behavioral characteristics of children who have endured trauma.
4. Discuss the role of organizations, medical providers, therapists, teachers, and child protection professionals in developing resilience in children who have experienced or witnessed trauma.

Target Audience: Clinical personnel, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, criminal justice professionals.

Introductory level. CE credits offered - 1.5 contact hours