In this manuscript a review of the prevalence of trauma among students in the United States and its impact on child development and the educational environment is conducted. Case vignettes are used to highlight the impact of trauma present in schools and a framework for implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) in special education is explored. The…

The lived experiences shared by the entire world community in the spring of 2020 due to the pandemic spread of the COVID-19 virus has already been identified as a mass trauma incident by mental health professionals specializing in trauma treatment (Galea et al., 2020). Yet there are disturbing anecdotal examples in social media of higher education…

Sexual misconduct victimization including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, and stalking is widespread among U.S. college students. While survivors often experience negative mental health impacts such as depression and anxiety, positive disclosure experiences and supportive services can reduce these effects. One way to…

Youth of color are disproportionately impacted by stressful and traumatic life events, including race-based experiences, which are linked to negative consequences. School is a salient context where youth encounter, witness, and process racial stress and trauma (RST). However, RST is often overlooked within general school-based trauma models. Thus,…

Community-based youth-serving organizations are often seen by participants and their families as safe and supportive environments with no stigma attached to participation. Many children attend community-based afterschool programs five days a week. In such an environment, trusted adults can consistently monitor the moods and behaviors of…

This report describes and synthesizes implementation determinants and strategies to promote uptake and sustained implementation of comprehensive school mental health and trauma-sensitive practices in schools. The present synthesis of studies and reports emphasizes use of relevant and efficient practices with empirical support at the state,…

It is estimated that trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as exposure to violence, abuse and neglect affect approximately a third of school-aged children in England and Wales. There is strong and growing evidence for the devastating impact of trauma across the lifespan, with psychological and biological effects indicated by…

Social/emotional learning (SEL) programs and practices have gained momentum across the state of Indiana in recent years in response to the changing needs of students and families. Many school communities have adopted SEL due to the heightened challenges posed by students impacted by trauma or chronic stress. As schools began to adopt SEL programs…

Critics and supporters have expressed concern that social-emotional learning (SEL) has not been adapted to children suffering from trauma. While SEL has been identified as a mechanism through which trauma-informed schools can be created, this does not make SEL implementation, in and of itself, trauma-informed. Erica Pawlo, Ava Lorenzo, Brian…

Some people see the school library as merely a place for books and materials, but for many students, it is a refuge and a place where they can relax and feel safe. School libraries are more than receptacles of books, technology, and audiovisual needs; they are sanctuaries for many students dealing with issues outside of school. Whether it is…

Growing evidence of the prevalence of and educational consequences related to childhood trauma exposure has led to a national focus on equipping schools to support the specific needs of students who have experienced trauma. As the trauma-informed care movement gains momentum, educators, practitioners, and researchers are collaborating to…

Addressing the surge in mental health and social and emotional needs of students and staff will be critical in the upcoming years. The increased understanding of the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma, and their negative effects on the social, emotional, and academic success of students, has propelled a growing number of…

Many students in schools have experienced traumatic events and struggle to deal with emotional, social, behavioral, and learning problems. School psychologists can be effective leaders in the school to establish trauma-informed practices within schools. By promoting awareness of trauma and its impact on students, school psychologists can help…

Children are powerful agents of change when given the chance to succeed. However, due to protracted crises and natural disasters, an estimated 33 million children have been forcibly displaced worldwide and denied their childhoods and an opportunity to reach their full potential. Psychosocial support is key to bridging the learning gap that…

The isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing both physical and mental health concerns for children worldwide. When the pandemic is over, schools and kindergartens represent a crucial context that can play an important role in promoting young people's well-being. This paper presents a school re-entry program aimed at creating an arena…