Connecting very young children who've experienced adversity with high quality early childhood programs can provide both the child and the family with the tools, support, protective factors, and resources to address the effects of trauma on the child and the family. I've seen first hand the benefits early childhood programs can bring to families and communities. Often times, families who encounter child welfare don't need an extensive, court-involved child welfare intervention, and can be better served by family centered early learning programs. Unfortunately, there isn't always a strong connection or referral path at the point the child welfare case is closed. Likewise, for young children who've experienced more significant levels of trauma, sometimes placement with a caring, nurturing relative or foster parent is not enough to mitigate the effects of trauma on development and the support of early childhood programs can help stabilize our youngest trauma survivors. In either case, the alternative is often a trajectory those of us in child welfare know too well.
One Montana community has announced a call to action, in an attempt to both educate the public about free programs available through the health department and reduce the stigma of receiving services to address the effects of trauma.
Does your community make attempts to bridge these gaps and ensure those in need are aware of what's available to them? If so, please share and comment below.
Did you know the infant brain forms 2.5 million neural connections every hour? That's a whopping 60 million connections every day. Under ideal situations of a loving, nurturing environment, these synapses flourish.
On the other hand, it is thought that severe or chronic stress and trauma impacts the way these connections develop. Under-development in certain areas of the brain can affect basic functions such as trust or empathy. Unused synapses are pruned out in favor of those that are utilized more often. Thus, in situations of abuse or neglect, the brain might focus primarily on recognizing and reacting to danger. This becomes the dominant paradigm, and other areas of learning and development can be compromised.
Follow this link to read the entire article written by Viki Dundas of the Missoula City - County Health Department
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