The majority of children and youth in the United States will be exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event before they graduate from high school.1 Exposure to violent trauma in childhood, such as abuse, assault, or family or community violence, is particularly common. Approximately 2 out of 3 children and youth ages 17 and younger were exposed to some form of violent victimization at home or in the community in the past year; 50% had more than one exposure; and 1 in 6 had 6 or more exposures to violence.2 Being exposed to trauma can have significant negative effects on a child’s physical and mental health, social behavior and relationships, and academic achievement.3
 
The first in a two-part series, this webinar focuses on defining what a trauma-sensitive school is and why a trauma-sensitive approach is needed in educational settings. Presenters will discuss how they see trauma manifest in their settings and why schools are moving towards a more comprehensive approach to addressing trauma. The webinar featured:  

• Rates and types of student trauma;
• The effects of trauma on students, families, and school staff;
• The core elements of a trauma-sensitive school; and,
• An educator’s perspective who are increasingly moving to adopt a trauma-sensitive approach.