Childhood Vulnerability: Trauma-Aware Approaches for Building Resilience in Traumatised Children

This chapter analyses childhood vulnerability focusing on trauma and its impact on a child’s development and their future health and behaviour. Based on the achievements of neuroscience, trauma-aware approaches are rapidly spreading in different areas of children’s lives. We aim to show how skilful use of trauma-aware approaches can reduce childhood vulnerability and risks of harm and support children’s resilience. International research and good practice emphasise the power of child participation in both research and decision-making. By expressing their views and discussing subjective experiences, children can make sense of these painful memories in a safe environment and with the support of a trustful and trauma-aware professional. Involving children in research on childhood vulnerability and childhood trauma has a double benefit. On the one hand, children can feel that they are important actors in improving children’s overall well-being. On the other, children’s participation in research enables researchers to understand children’s world better and to become more innovative and creative thinkers while searching for solutions to improve children’s lives.