Certification in Child Trauma

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, children who suffer from child traumatic stress are those who have been exposed to one or more traumas over the course of their lives and develop reactions that persist and affect their daily lives after the events have ended. Traumatic reactions can include a variety of responses, such as intense and ongoing emotional upset, depressive symptoms or anxiety, behavioral changes, difficulties with self-regulation, problems relating to others or forming attachments, regression or loss of previously acquired skills, attention and academic difficulties, nightmares, difficulty sleeping and eating, and physical symptoms, such as aches and pains. Older children may use drugs or alcohol, behave in risky ways, or engage in unhealthy sexual activity. There is a range of traumatic events or trauma types to which children and adolescents can be exposed and include:

• Bullying

• Community Violence

• Complex Trauma

• Disasters

• Early Childhood Trauma

• Intimate Partner Violence

• Medical Trauma

• Physical Abuse

• Refugee Trauma

• Sexual Abuse

• Terrorism and Violence

• Traumatic Grief

Certification in Child Trauma is based on an applicant's knowledge, experience, education and training related to child trauma and its impact on social, emotional, behavioral, physiological and cognitive functioning. The Certification in Child Trauma falls under the Academy's Certification Programs in Traumatic Stress Specialities. Resumes should include relevant information regarding the applicant's knowledge, experience, education and training and supporting documentation should be included with each application.