Why Trauma Matters to Community Organizations and Grantmakers

Posted by Breggie Hoffman on 08 June 2022, 20:55 SAST

The science of trauma is changing our understanding of how to design community-based programs and systems that best help the people they are supposed to serve. We spoke with experts in the field to identify the key concepts that could radically boost child-serving programs’ outcomes and reshape grantmakers’ funding decisions.

Every day, families, schools, and communities grapple with the negative and long-lasting effects of trauma and toxic stress on the healthy development of children. Left untreated, children exposed to multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may experience overwhelming feelings of fear, horror, and helplessness, and develop negative coping mechanisms, often seen as high risk and disruptive behavior. Additionally, they are at risk of developing physical and mental illness later in life.

Despite the prevalence of adversity, opportunity exists. Brain research showing the damaging, long-lasting effects of persistent trauma and toxic stress on children also points to the power of strong relationships and resilience in restoring healthy lives. One positive, supportive adult relationship in a child’s life is transformative.

Nonprofit organizations running programs embedded in our communities are in a unique position to mitigate the effects of trauma on children and their families. The programs are increasingly adopting trauma-informed approaches that have shown results. Change in these organizations, though, depends on extensive training, focused leadership, and a cultural shift. Grantmakers eager to support their capacity-building might be interested in the assessment framework outlined here.

Research, Resources, and Frameworks for Funders

Research on Trauma and Resilience

Extensive research, beginning with the landmark CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study conducted from 1995 to 1997, demonstrates the lasting effects of childhood trauma into later life.

In a paper published in 2005, Excessive Stress Disrupts the Architecture of the Developing Brain, the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child exposed toxic stress as the link between ACEs, neurology, and poor adult outcomes.

More recent research shows the possibility of actually reversing the damaging effects of trauma when young people enjoy supportive, stable adult relationships. The development of resilience is essential. Learn more about the science of resilience from Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child.

Resources Aimed at the Epidemic

Tens of millions of children in the United States are exposed to multiple adverse childhood experiences although some are disproportionately affected. Society’s response has to be comprehensive, with focus at the national, state, and city levels.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), working with hospitals and community-based organizations across the country, develops resources and training, much of it tailored to groups most likely to struggle—children in families affected by substance abuse, economic stress, or military life; LGBTQ youth, unaccompanied migrant youth, and youth experiencing homelessness. NCTSN pays particular attention to the professionals doing this work, as they may be affected by secondary traumatic stress. Visit NCTSN’s website for specialized resources, training, and frameworks.

This year the governor of California appointed the state’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, a long-time advocate for addressing traumatic stress in childhood, to prioritize the health and well-being of California’s young families. Dr. Burke Harris envisions a system where children are screened for ACES and those with high scores have access to services that help them build resilience and thrive. In a recent Q&A, California’s first-ever surgeon general outlines her plans to tackle toxic stress in children.

The City of Boston has invested heavily in the Public Health Commission’s network of Boston Neighborhood Trauma Teams, which offer support to all residents who feel impacted by community violence. Mayor Martin J. Walsh sees hope in “breaking the cycle of suffering.” Systemic change of this magnitude is difficult, requiring shifts in culture, policies, and practices.

What does it mean to be trauma-informed?

Awareness, commitment, and leadership are essential to becoming trauma-informed, to moving towards SAMSHA’s comprehensive approach—where all adults in a program or system “Realize, Recognize, Respond, and Resist Re-traumatization.”

SOURCE: SAMSHA

Read about this in How to Implement Trauma-Informed Care to Build Resilience to Childhood Trauma.

Note: We use the term trauma-informed, recognizing the value of the term trauma-sensitive. Notably, Mass Advocates for Children has been leading a robust effort since the mid-90s to advocate for and create trauma-sensitive schools.

Frameworks for trauma-informed grantmaking

By adopting a trauma lens, funders can support a societal shift in thinking about people’s experiences. How do organizations acknowledge and respond to the adverse impacts of trauma in the people they serve and employ? We have developed a simple framework to guide discussions with prospective grant recipients.

The GMA Funder Community’s framework outlines approaches and ideas that contribute to more holistic programs and systemic change. The goal is to equip organizations to effectively support children and adults in overcoming barriers to resilience.

Download: Funder Guide: Trauma-Informed Grantmaking

Additionally, this NCTSN framework is indispensable in evaluating trauma-sensitivity in programs serving children and families.

Download: What is a Trauma-Informed Child and Family Service System?