October 2005
Every year, thousands of children nationwide experience trauma as a result of exposure to violence, abuse, natural disasters, severe illness or injury, loss of loved ones due to violence or accident, or forced relocation. This exposure can have both immediate and long-term effects on children’s health and their ability to function fully in their families, schools, and communities. This Issue Brief focuses on the needs of children exposed to trauma, strategies for early identification and intervention, and ensuring the provision of timely and appropriate services to them and their caregivers.