Childhood Trauma is the greatest public health crisis of our time.
Childhood trauma is not just prevalent—it’s a silent epidemic, deeply embedded in the fabric of our society. Its effects on a child's brain, body, and emotional development are profound, setting the stage for chronic health issues, mental illness, and cycles of disadvantage that persist throughout life. The impact extends beyond the individual, infiltrating families, communities, and future generations.
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Nearly 35 million children in the U.S. have experienced at least one type of trauma before reaching adulthood.
Children who have experienced three or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are 32x more likely to have learning and behavioral problems in school compared to children without ACEs.
Children who experience four or more ACEs are 4.5x more likely to develop depression and 12x more likely to attempt suicide.
Studies show that 46% of U.S. children have experienced at least one ACE, and 1 in 6 children have experienced four or more ACEs, significantly increasing their risk of negative developmental outcomes.
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Trauma-exposed children are 3x more likely to need special education services and twice as likely to repeat a grade.
Up to 90% of children with emotional and behavioral disorders have experienced trauma, impacting their ability to succeed academically.
Children exposed to trauma are 2.5x more likely to fail a grade, 5x more likely to have attendance problems, and 6x more likely to exhibit behavioral issues in the classroom.
91% of children in the juvenile justice system have experienced at least one trauma.
Adults who experienced unaddressed trauma as children are 2-4 times more likely to develop chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer later in life.
Common Q & A about Trauma-Informed Practices
Q: What Are Trauma-Informed Practices?
Trauma-informed practices involve proactively recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and creating environments that support healing, safety, and emotional regulation. They focus on creating predictability, trust, and emotional safety, which are critical for helping students who may be experiencing trauma.
Trauma-informed practices directly address these challenges by creating supportive environments that prioritize emotional and psychological safety.
Q: What is a Trauma-Informed School?
A Trauma-Informed School empowers all members of the community, including those impacted by trauma, with inclusive, relational, and resilience-centered approaches.
A Trauma-informed school fosters both responsiveness to those affected by trauma, and proactive, preventative practices across the whole community.
Q: What are qualities of a Trauma-Informed School?
Trauma-Informed Schools…
Regularly provide Trauma-Informed Training and Professional Development opportunities to all adults in the building.
Prioritize and invest in the mental health and well-being of educators and staff.
Promote safe, supportive relationships between students, teachers, and staff.
Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) to help students develop emotional regulation and resilience-building skills.
Offer predictable routines and consistency to create a sense of safety.
Use strength-based language to foster a growth mindset and build self-esteem.
Avoid punitive discipline practices, focusing instead on restorative practices, the desire to understand student behaviors, and supportive conflict resolution.
Prioritize Cultural Humility and Equity to create inclusive educational experiences where all members of the school community feel seen, heard, and empowered.
“A trauma-informed school is one in which all aspects of the educational environment—from workforce training to classroom interactions—are grounded in an understanding of trauma and its impact on students’ ability to learn and thrive.”
Trauma-Informed Schools Transform Outcomes
Research proves that schools implementing trauma-informed practices experience significant improvements in student behavior, academic performance, and the overall well-being of the entire school community. Trauma-informed schools create environments where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Improved Academic Performance
Improved Academic Performance: Trauma-informed schools see marked improvements in academic outcomes. A study from the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative found that trauma-informed schools saw a 25% increase in math scores and a 23% increase in reading scores.
Reduction in Behavioral Issues
Schools that invested in trauma-informed training went on to experience a 40% reduction in out-of-school suspensions and a 30% decrease in office disciplinary referrals. (Washington State Office of Public Instruction)
Restorative Conflict Resolution
Schools integrating trauma-informed and restorative practices report a 15% reduction in disciplinary referrals and an increase in peer-to-peer conflict resolution. This approach shifts the focus from punishment to healing, resulting in improved classroom culture and student relationships. (International Institute for Restorative Practices)
Increase Student Engagement
The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative reported a 20% increase in student engagement and participation in activities in a Trauma Informed School. Students are more willing to contribute to class discussions and participate in extracurricular programs.
Decrease in Drop-out Rates
A trauma-informed approach in schools reduced high school dropout rates by 34%. Students who felt safe and supported were more engaged and had better attendance. (National Association of State Boards of Education)
Better Mental Health Support
Schools with trauma-informed practices show a 40% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms among students. By providing supportive environments and integrating mental health services, schools help reduce the impact of trauma on children’s emotional well-being. (Journal of Educational Psychology)
Decrease in Teacher Burnout
Implementing trauma-informed practices benefits educators all and school staff. Schools that trained educators in trauma-informed care saw a 15% reduction in teacher burnout and a 25% improvement in teacher retention. (Education Leadership Research Institute)
Increased SEL Skills
Using SEL programs as part of trauma-informed education leads to a 27% improvement in academic performance and a 24% reduction in classroom behavior problems. SEL builds empathy and self-regulation skills. (CASEL)
Improved Long Term Outcomes
Trauma-informed schools improve immediate academic and behavioral outcomes and contribute to long-term success. Students are more likely to graduate and attend post-secondary education, as they develop coping skills that benefit them into adulthood. (Harvard Center on the Developing Child)
Give to further our Mission
More than ever, our schools and youth-serving communities are in need of trauma-informed, equity-centered training and resources. Your tax-deductible gift will directly fund our program expansion efforts, enabling us to provide trauma-informed training and resources to a greater number of educators, schools, and youth-serving organizations.