Presenting state-of-the-art knowledge and treatment approaches for working with very young children affected by trauma, this book fills a crucial need for mental health professionals and child welfare advocates. Readers gain an understanding of the impact of severe stress on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; how trauma disrupts crucial early relationships; and ways to collaborate with parents, other caregivers, and broader support systems to facilitate healing and prevent further traumatization. Guidelines are provided for conducting effective assessments and intervening with vulnerable children and families in traditional mental health contexts and in pediatric, legal, and community settings. Giving particular attention to the needs of children who have been neglected or abused, the book also addresses other forms of trauma, including illness, injury, exposure to domestic and community violence, and parental loss.

348 pages

"Osofsky helps the reader understand the significance of trauma for young children from a multi-perspective view. The book addresses the impact of trauma on neurophysiology, attachment, and culture, as well as the importance of family. Treatment interventions and current policy issues, such as foster care and the court system, are also considered. Used in a graduate clinical practice course, this book provides students with a solid introduction to the myriad and complex issues that traumatized children experience on multiple levels."

-Kathleen Monahan, DSW, LCSW, MFT, Director, Family Violence Education and Research Center, Stony Brook University

"A very timely collection of research and thinking from experts in the field of violence prevention."

-T. Berry Brazelton, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

"This volume gives voice to young children who have been traumatized or abused; to those struggling to help both victims and traumatizers; and to individuals working in our nation's courts, clinical settings, and child welfare systems. Treatment and intervention are given a base founded on research, tested in practice, and motivated by caring. This is an extremely important and valuable book."

-Samuel J. Meisels, EdD, President, Erikson Institute

"Relevant, authoritative, and user friendly, this book has the potential to be both helpful in practice and informative to professionals across diverse disciplines."

-Harvard Educational Review

"The editor and contributing authors are, without question, experts in their respective fields....The case examples are a highlight as they permeate almost the entire book....4 Stars!"

-Doody's Review Service

"This book is an excellent resource for professionals who work with younger children....An essential resource and a wise investment."

-Child and Family