Improve Outcomes for Kansas Kids.
KAAP supports pediatricians in integrating trauma-informed care and promoting relational health within their pediatric practices. This specialized care helps pediatricians recognize and address the impact of trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and toxic stress on children’s development.
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach to pediatric care that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands how it can affect a child’s physical, emotional, and developmental health. TIC emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment, creating a clinical environment where children and families feel supported, not judged. By shifting the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”, pediatricians can provide more compassionate, effective care that promotes healing and resilience.
Upcoming webinars
Take the Next Step in Trauma-Informed Care
Explore webinars designed to deepen your understanding of Trauma-Informed Care and strengthen your practice with real-world strategies and expert insights.
Trauma-Informed Pediatric Care and Resilience Promotion ECHO
Multiple dates
The goal of this ECHO is to provide pediatricians and healthcare professionals the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based, trauma-informed care and resilience promotion in clinical practice.
AAP Self-directed learning program
Train Anytime with AAP’s Trauma-Informed Care: Self-Directed Learning Program
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a Trauma-Informed Care: Self-Directed Learning program designed to equip pediatricians and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement trauma-informed care and resilience promotion in everyday practice. This program includes two levels of self-paced, video-based courses:
- Level 1: Introduces foundational concepts of trauma-informed care and relational health, suitable for individuals new to these topics or seeking a refresher.
- Level 2: Builds upon Level 1, providing advanced strategies and practical skills to identify and respond to child traumatic stress, featuring expert-led videos and case studies.
These courses aim to empower healthcare providers to recognize and address the impact of trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and toxic stress on children’s development.
Kansas Trauma-Informed Care Collaborative
Join the Kansas Movement for Trauma-Informed Care
The Kansas Trauma-Informed Care Collaborative is a statewide initiative dedicated to improving the delivery of trauma-informed services throughout Kansas. Its mission is to equip individuals and systems with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to the needs of those impacted by trauma. The collaborative actively promotes the integration of trauma-informed principles across diverse settings, including healthcare, education, and social services.
Key aspects include:
- Comprehensive Approach:
Addressing trauma across the lifespan, the collaborative recognizes the profound impact trauma can have on individuals, families, and communities. - Training and Education:
The collaborative offers resources and training opportunities designed to help professionals and organizations become more trauma-informed. - System-Level Change:
Supports the integration of trauma-informed principles into policies, procedures, and everyday practices within various systems. - Collaboration and Partnerships:
By fostering strong partnerships among agencies and organizations, the collaborative builds a more coordinated and supportive network of care. - Community Engagement:
Recognizing the vital role of community involvement, the collaborative promotes strategies that empower communities to address trauma and build resilience.
A National Resource for Pediatricians
National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care
AAP has launched the National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care, led by Dr. Heather Forkey and Dr. Moira Szilagyi as co-medical directors. The Center is dedicated to helping pediatricians and other child health professionals recognize and respond to trauma, foster safe and nurturing relationships, and support the well-being of children and families. This work is carried out through focused communication, education, and partnerships across the pediatric care community.
Visit AAP.org/TIC to explore resources, or reach out at traumainformedcare@aap.org.
resources
Discover Resources to Support Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding and addressing trauma’s effects to prevent further harm.
Relational Health
Building strong, supportive relationships to protect children from the effects of trauma.
Screening and Intervention
Promoting trauma screening and providing appropriate support as needed.
Collaboration
Encouraging teamwork between healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations.
- AAP Policy Statement – Preventing Childhood Toxic Stress: Partnering With Families and Communities to Promote Relational Health
- Self-Care Tips to Prevent Secondary Traumatic Stress
Provider Well-Being & Advocacy
Resources that support the mental health of healthcare professionals and advocate for systemic trauma-informed change.
From Theory to Practice
Dr. Dena Hubbard: Leading with Compassion in Neonatal Care
Dr. Dena Hubbard, a Kansas-based neonatologist and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) champion, shares how trauma-informed principles have transformed her approach to patient care. In the high-intensity environment of the NICU, she and her team are using relational health strategies to foster connection, reduce stress, and support families through some of their most vulnerable moments.
Discover how TIC isn’t just a framework: It’s a powerful tool that’s changing lives from the very beginning!
Watch These Videos to See How Dr. Hubbard Brings TIC to Life
Take Action for Kids!
Trauma-informed care is essential to fostering healthier futures for children and families across Kansas. By equipping pediatricians and community partners with the tools to recognize and respond to trauma, we can create compassionate environments that promote healing, resilience, and lifelong well-being. Together, we can make trauma-informed care a standard part of pediatric practice, transforming lives one child at a time.
Take the next step toward trauma-informed excellence by starting your training today!
Contact the Kansas AAP Trauma-Informed Care Program Manager, Mallory Laur.
FAQ
What is trauma-informed care (TIC)?
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices to avoid re-traumatization and support healing.
Why is trauma-informed care important in pediatric practice?
Trauma can significantly affect a child’s physical, emotional, and developmental health. TIC helps pediatricians identify and address trauma early, improving health outcomes and fostering resilience.
How can pediatricians get trained in trauma-informed care?
The Kansas Chapter of the AAP supports training through self-directed online courses offered by the AAP, along with additional resources and webinars focused on trauma and relational health.
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, which can have long-term effects on health and well-being.
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
How does relational health relate to trauma-informed care?
Relational health focuses on building strong, supportive relationships that protect children from trauma’s effects and promote healing and resilience.
What resources are available for healthcare providers to implement TIC?
The AAP offers a variety of resources, including clinical reports, screening tools, policy statements, and self-care tips to support providers in becoming trauma-informed.
How can healthcare providers prevent secondary traumatic stress?
Providers can use self-care strategies, seek peer support, and engage in ongoing education to manage stress and avoid burnout related to caring for trauma-affected patients.