Department of Children and Families to Focus Attention on Child Trauma

The state Department of Children and Families will use a $3.2 million federal grant to provide targeted help for children affected by trauma in all its forms.

On February 3, DCF Commissioner Joette Katz introduced the details of the five-year program that will train agency staff and private providers to help children suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

According to the Connecticut Collaboration on Effective Practices for Trauma (CONCEPT), between 60 and 80 percent of Connecticut children have experienced at least one traumatic event. Untreated or chronic child traumatic stress is linked to neurobiological changes, mental illness, substance abuse, suicide, and other serious health problems.

CT Mirror has more information on child traumatic stress.