Learning Materials and Resources
Review materials from SAMHSA, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCSTN), and other organizations designed to help you recognize and respond to child traumatic stress.
- For Parents and Caregivers
- For Military Families
- For Educators and School Personnel
- For Professionals in Health and Other Systems
- Technical Assistance
- For Media
- Policy Briefs
For Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children and adolescents recover from exposure to traumatic events. The following materials help parents and caregivers better understand trauma and how they can help.
NCTSN Resources
- Children and Domestic Violence: How Does Domestic Violence Affect Children? – 2008
- Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know about Sexual Abuse – 2009
- Complex Trauma: Facts for Caregivers – 2014
- Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma
- Resources for Parents and Caregivers
- Tips for Parents on Media Coverage – 2014
- Trauma and Your Family – 2011
- Understanding Child Traumatic Stress: A Guide for Parents – 2008
- What is Childhood Traumatic Grief
For Military Families
Military families experience unique life challenges that can put children in stressful situations. Review resources to help military families and the health professionals who care for them.
Information for Military Families
NCTSN Resources for Health Professionals Caring for Military Families
- Child Maltreatment in Military Families: A Fact sheet for Providers – 2015
- Working Effectively with Military Families: 10 Key Concepts All Providers Should Know – 2014
For Educators and School Personnel
Access tip sheets, toolkits, and other materials to help educators and school personnel recognize trauma responses and respond to students who have experienced trauma.
NCTSN Resources
- Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
- Psychological First Aid for Schools (PFA-S)
- Suggestions for Educators – 2008
- Resources for School Personnel
For Professionals in Health and Other Systems
Access tools, training, and technical assistance for professionals in mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, and other fields related to children and trauma.
NCTSN Resources
- After the Injury and Health Care Toolbox
- Child Welfare System
- Cops, Kids, and Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Training (DVD)
- Empirically Supported Treatments and Promising Practices
- Juvenile Justice System
- Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma
- Support Materials: Cops, Kids, and Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Training – 2005
Technical Assistance
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
- SAMHSA's Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC)
- National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW)
- National Resource Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention
- SAMHSA's Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance (SMVF TA) Center
- SAMHSA's Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center
For Media
Review the following resources for partners and media covering issues related to mental health and trauma in children.
NCTSN Resources
SAMHSA Resources
- Understanding Child Trauma
- National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative: Helping Kids Recover and Thrive - 2015 (PDF | 9 MB)
Also available in single-page form (PDF | 944 KB) - TIP 57: Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services
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