A young child’s experience of trauma, whether psychological maltreatment, neglect, exposure to violence, or physical or sexual abuse, can have long-lasting adverse effects on developmental functioning, and physical, social, or emotional well-being. National data shows an overwhelming percentage of infants and toddlers encountered by the child welfare system have attachment problems and developmental delays. This includes a child’s physiological and emotional responses; ability to think, learn, and concentrate; their impulse control, self-image, and relationships.

Childhood complex trauma consisting of exposure to multiple traumatic events has been linked to far reaching adversities extending into adulthood including poor health outcomes, substance abuse/misuse, depression and anxiety, self-harming behaviors, and mental health conditions. Early interventions promote neuroplasticity in children’s developing brains to form new neural pathways leading to healing. These videos focus on what has happened to these young children and the science-based interventions for healing trauma and strengthening the parent-child relationship to heal families and help children thrive.