Trauma & Recovery Resources

In the book, Trauma and Recovery,  Judith Herman describes traumatic events as events that "overwhelm the ordinary systems of care that give people a sense of control, connection, and meaning… [These events] confront human beings with the extremities of helplessness and terror" (Herman, 1997, p.34). According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, traumatic stress occurs when a child experiences an intense event that threatens or causes harm to his or her emotional and physical well-being. One of these stressors can be community violence. (Source: NCTSM.org)

Explaining the News to Our Kids – from Common Sense Media

• This post provides age-based tips on talking to kids about the news and how to listen to scholars. The information can be easily applied to the school setting, though written for parents.

Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News – from PBS.org.

• In times of community or worldwide crisis, it's easy to assume that young children do not know what is going on. However, one thing is for sure -- children are very sensitive to how the adults in their lives feel. They are keenly aware of the expressions on their caregivers’ faces and the tone of their voices. Children can sense when their caregivers are really worried, whether they are watching the news or talking about it with others. No matter what children know about a "crisis," it's especially scary for children to realize that adults are scared.

How Can Parents [And Educators] Help Their Children: Community Violence Can Lead to Childhood Trauma

• Whether community violence is a one-time incident or a frequent occurrence in your community, following each incident of community violence, it is important for [caregivers and educators] to spend time talking with children, find ways to help them feel safe, maintain rules and routines and address any acting out behaviors.