The effects of trauma can roll on unchecked like a spirit of death. In its path are strewn its once vibrant victims. Human bonds are rent asunder by the disgrace of trauma. These are the youngsters who have been verbally bashed, physically battered, sexually assaulted, and spiritually exploited. Other traumas of childhood neglect include: (1) being left to care for oneself and handle the complexities of living; (2) being dependent on adults who are unable to offer support or encouragement due to their own perpetual crises; and (3) being confused over knowing who is responsible for what or who is in charge of dealing with problems. Secure human attachments cannot be built when lives are in chaotic disarray. Drawing on perspectives developed over many years of counseling with troubled youth, the author reflects on three critical elements in the process of trauma recovery.