Trauma-Informed Approaches: Connecting Research, Policy, and Practice to Build Resilience in Children and Families

Nearly half of all U.S. children are exposed to at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), such as abuse, neglect, incarceration of a family member, substance use in the home, divorce, and witnessing domestic violence.

Potential long-term effects in adulthood include serious mental illness, health problems, unemployment, and addiction—particularly to opioids. Multiple factors influence a child’s resilience and exposure to trauma, and myriad systems interact with children and families. Community-driven, interdisciplinary, multisector approaches are needed to support the optimal development of children and youth.

This project brought together researchers, policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners to share new research and identify opportunities for addressing ACEs. It increased understanding of the effects of trauma-informed approaches on systems, communities, children, and families.

The project aimed to improve outcomes for trauma-affected children and families by—

• Highlighting the science of building resilience and the protective factors communities can provide for children and families
• Gaining insights from federal and state programs, trauma experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to identify promising and successful trauma-informed models and approaches
• Documenting common elements leading to positive impacts
• Illuminating gaps and opportunities to inform future policy and research efforts

JBA conducted scans, literature reviews, and key informant discussions and hosted an expert convening to summarize promising practices and approaches. The findings were shared in briefs, papers, and presentations.