Trauma-Informed Care: Recognize, Respond, and Empower with Relationships to Help Children and Families Thrive
Many children and families have experienced trauma - whether that's trauma that occurs within the household, like substance use, parental mental illness, abuse or neglect; or trauma that occurs in the community, like community violence, poverty and others. Pediatricians may not always know which of their patients and families have experienced trauma - that's why the AAP recommends trauma-informed care as a universal approach to pediatric care.
Learn More About Trauma-Informed Pediatric Care
The National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care empowers pediatricians and pediatric health care professionals with a universal approach that promotes safe, stable and nurturing relationships and the resources to recognize, assess and treat trauma to help children and families thrive.
For the official press release announcing the National Center, click here.
Click here to learn more about the National Center, or contact us.
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What's New
Upcoming Webinars
Building Trust Through Trauma-Informed Care | July 15 @ 11:00am – 12:00pm CT
This 1-hour webinar will explore the impact of childhood trauma through the lens of lived experiences, while highlighting the vital role of pediatric healthcare providers in fostering relational health. Through the voices of individuals with lived experience, participants will explore how relational healthcare can help children and families feel seen, supported, and empowered. The webinar will reflect on practical strategies to promote psychological safety, validate family experiences, and strengthen the trust and connection between pediatricians, children, and their caregivers. Register here! Available for 1.0 CME Credit.
Rethinking ACE Screening: Research to Practice in Pediatric Care | August 12 @ 12:00 – 1:00pm CT
Many pediatric health care professionals are familiar with the original adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) study and the concept of the “ACEs score”. But a common question remains: “Should pediatricians screen for ACEs?” In this webinar, Dr Heather Forkey will synthesize the latest research on ACEs screening, including potential benefits, challenges, and harms of ACEs screening. She will explain why ACE scores are not effective for clinical use and offer guidance on alternative, trauma-informed approaches to identifying and supporting children affected by adversity. Participants will have the chance to ask questions and engage in discussion on best practices for trauma informed pediatric care. Register here!
Updated
|June 30, 2025
AAP Recommendations
The AAP provides recommendations and guidelines to support pediatricians, other pediatric health care professionals and health care systems in the implementation of trauma-informed care.
AAP Clinical Report: Trauma-Informed Care
AAP Policy Statement: Trauma-Informed Care in Child Health Systems
Education & Training
Pediatricians and pediatric health care professionals are uniquely positioned to partner with families and support children who have experienced trauma. This makes it vital that pediatric health care professionals know how to recognize and respond to symptoms of trauma, understand the potential impact on development, behavior, and health and nurture relationships that can buffer the impact of trauma.
Interested in learning more about taking a trauma-informed approach to care? Explore the options below.
For Self-Directed Learning For Pediatric Trainees
Education and training opportunities for pediatric clinic staff are coming soon.
Resources to Share with Families
It is important for families to understand that trauma and toxic stress can be prevented, and recovery is possible if trauma has occurred. Share resources such as infographics, articles and parenting tips, available in English and Spanish to empower families with strategies for building resilience.
Chapter Partnerships to Advance Trauma-Informed Care
With funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the AAP has funded 15 AAP chapters to engage in awareness-building and education around trauma-informed pediatric care.
Webinars and Additional Resources
These resources provide information and guidance to support pediatricians in taking a trauma-informed approach to pediatric care.
Communications and Media
These tools provide additional information about trauma-informed care and related concepts.
Practicing Trauma-informed Care in Pediatric Settings
Stress and the Healing Power of Connection
The Power of Relationships in Pediatric Care: Uncovering Trauma & Adversity
Stay Up-To-Date on New Resources
The National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care team is continuously working on developing new resources. Sign up to be added to our bi-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on available resources, events and relevant updates regarding trauma-informed care and relational health.