Young Children and Trauma

[JACKET COPY] Recent years have seen significant advances in knowledge about the effects of exposure to psychological trauma on young children from birth to age five. This volume brings together leading experts to address practical considerations in working with traumatized young children and their caregivers. State-of-the-art assessment and treatment approaches are presented, together with innovative service delivery models. With a focus on building cross-disciplinary collaboration to better serve this vulnerable population, this is an indispensable resource for all mental health and human service professionals working with children at risk. The book reviews the impact of severe stress on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, detailing the effects on neurobiology, behavior, relationships, and overall functioning. Clinically oriented chapters describe a range of ways to team with parents, other caregivers, and broader support systems to facilitate healing and prevent further traumatization. Aided by detailed case examples, professionals gain proven tools and strategies for: * Screening for different types of traumatic exposure and conducting multimodal assessments * Conducting therapeutic interventions in traditional mental health contexts and in pediatric, legal, and community settings. * Working with parents and other caregivers to strengthen the bonds that keep development on track * Building successful partnerships with child welfare agencies, juvenile courts, and law enforcement * Managing the emotional impact of this type of work on the therapist Rich with clinical wisdom, the volume gives particular attention to the needs of children who have been neglected or abused and whose families may face complex, multiple problems. Approaches to helping children in more stable family settings and those dealing with other types of trauma, including accidents, illness, and parental loss, are also discussed in depth. Authoritative and up-to-date, this book belongs on the desks of child psychologists and psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and pediatric medical practitioners; child protection workers and legal professionals; specialists in early intervention, infant mental health, and trauma; and students and researchers in these areas. It serves as a uniquely informative text for graduate-level courses. Marilyn Augustyn, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA Shana M. Bellow, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA Neil W. Boris, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orlean