News and Updates

A multi-ethnic group of elementary age children are playing together outside at recess. They are chasing each other and are playing tag.

13 Sep: How to Avoid Retraumatizing Children When Dealing With Sensitive Issues

By the age of 16, more than two-thirds of children report having experienced a traumatic event. You can’t prevent these experiences from occurring for the children that you work with. But there are things you can do to support them in meaningful ways.

Learning how to avoid retraumatization is critical. It benefits the child and the other children and providers interacting with them. Being observant of particular behaviors may help you identify when you’re working with a child who is dealing with the effects of traumatic experiences. However,  there will also be children who don’t show obvious signs of trauma. Using trauma-informed practices will help you avoid triggering these children. Retraumatizing a child may cause them emotional turmoil. In this state, it can be difficult for them to self-regulate.…

Rear view of large group of students raising their hands to answer the question on a class at elementary school.

30 Aug: How Organizations Help Kids Get Ready for Back to School When They Feel Unsafe Returning

As summer winds down, families are starting to get their kids ready for back-to-school preparations. Unfortunately, part of that preparation includes having some difficult conversations. The last few years have been packed with challenges that have directly impacted children and the schools they will return to. 

Topics like gun violence, racial inequality, and global pandemics are immense. In today’s world, families have  to learn how to discuss them with school-age children. It’s difficult for adults to navigate these emotionally charged and traumatic subjects. Expecting a child to be able to do so is additionally challenging.

Organizations that work with children and families can start by being aware of, and sensitive to, the effects that going back to school has on kids during these trying times.…

Group of friends celebrates Pride Day together

15 Aug: How Organizations Can Support LGBTQ Youth Facing Trauma

As an organization that supports children who have experienced trauma, it’s important to remember that every child’s experience is different. Those in the LGBTQ community need your help more than ever to overcome LGBTQ trauma.

June is a time when we celebrate the LGBTQ community. But Pride Month doesn’t end on July 1st. We need to support our children all year. Rainbow flags and pride shirts are a great way to send a message to LGBTQ children that they are supported. But the issues facing LGBTQ youth are staggering. Homelessness, being disowned by their families, substance use, bullying, religious groups trying to “pray the gay away,” and a general feeling that they don’t belong.

There are programs out there for LGBTQ youth.…