Trauma affects everyone.
It’s impacting our families
and communities right now.
What is trauma?
Trauma is broader and more common than people realize. It is an emotional response to a terrible event, whether it’s abuse, neglect, a severe accident, a natural disaster or other intense occurrence.
At FamilyForward, we focus on developmental trauma. This is trauma that takes place early in a child’s life, and the resulting stress response disrupts the development of the brain. We are equipped to consider each child’s unique biological and genetic traits, relational experiences and personality characteristics to provide the care they need.
Knowing the truth about developmental trauma and abuse is part of the battle to address their effects in our communities.
Misconception: Most children don’t experience trauma.
Reality: More than two thirds of children reported experiencing at least one traumatic event by age 16.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Misconception: Childhood abuse and neglect are a thing of the past.
Reality: At least 1 in 7 children have experienced abuse and/or neglect in the past year, and this is likely an underestimate.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Misconception: Childhood abuse doesn’t impact our community.
Reality: During the fiscal year 2021, 16,984 children in the St. Louis area were reported to the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.
Misconception: Abuse ends after childhood.
Reality: 40% of child abuse victims also report experiencing domestic violence as adults.
Learn more about how our unique approach
and programs address developmental trauma:
Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse
Child abuse happens in every state, in every town, and in every income bracket. The unfortunate reality is that child abuse is often underreported and unnoticed by most adults, despite its prevalence in our communities.
What is collective trauma, and how can we heal?
Learn about what collective trauma is and what we can do to heal our children and communities in the face of collective trauma.
Foster Care and Parenting Overview
Foster care services are essential to FamilyForward and our community. We help with foster care case management and aid in the recruitment, training, and licensing of families seeking to participate in the foster care system. Learn more about foster care’s importance and why you should consider becoming a foster parent.
You’ve seen the numbers. You’ve seen what we can do to support struggling families. Take the next step and become an advocate for children and families in our communities.