The Effects of Trauma on Parenting and Caregiving

Young children may experience trauma ranging from experiencing an accident to abuse and neglect. High rates of maltreatment have been associated with immediate and long-term impairments in mental and physical health. The deleterious impact of trauma on parents and their capacity to parent is recognized clinically, and inequities related to available support are evident. Research and clinical observations indicate the crucial need for caregiver support in families who have experienced trauma, which can improve parental mental health and capacity, leading to subsequent enhanced functioning in children.