How Does Trauma Affect Kids from Foster Care?Kids
all deal with stress and traumatic situations differently. These situations affect children spiritually, emotionally and physically. In most cases, a child will be able to cope in a healthy manner, with few lasting effects However, the trauma many kids in foster care endure is beyond what most children experience, and this severe trauma can have effects and triggers that require time and extra attention for healing.
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Examples of Severe Trauma Events - Sexual and physical abuse
- Exposure to domestic violence in the home
- Chronic, long-term neglect
- Exposure to substance abuse
- Ongoing, severe emotional abuse
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While all children need the love and support of their family and friends, often times, kids from foster care have responses and triggers that may seem difficult or behaviorally challenging. It’s important to keep in mind that their behaviors are often an attempt to cope with a past trauma which they never should have had to endure.
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Examples of a Child's Response to Trauma - Frequent severe tantrums
- Aggressive attitude with others
- Impulsive actions which may threaten their health or safety
- Consistent disruptive behavior
- Organizational and educational difficulties
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As a support team member, recognize that you're not just helping a family raise kids. You're helping a family bring healing and hope to kids who’ve experienced severe trauma. You have the unique opportunity to support the family with actions, gifts, and relationships that help them through the process of coping with severe trauma.
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