A Social Ecological Approach to Addressing Childhood Trauma

Exposure to trauma has a detrimental impact on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of youth with lasting impacts into adulthood and, thus, represents a leading concern for all public health professionals, as the impacts are seen most immediately in schools but require attention at all levels of a community. This article presents strategies and interventions for addressing childhood trauma at each level of the Social Ecological Model. Schools represent an ideal setting for addressing childhood trauma through mindfulness-based practices, trauma-related training for teachers, and resources and support for parents and caregivers. However, such initiatives should be complemented by community-level strategies and interventions for preventing and addressing trauma as well as policies supportive of children and families. Childhood trauma is a complex issue that requires intervention at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional/organizational, community, and policy levels. School and community health professionals can play a vital role in intervening at each of these levels and promoting positive childhood experiences (PCEs) to achieve the best possible outcomes for youth and their families.