Trauma-Informed Care: Recognize, Respond, and Empower with Relationships to Help Children and Families Thrive
Many children and families have experienced trauma - whether that's trauma that occurs within the household, like substance use, parental mental illness, abuse or neglect; or trauma that occurs in the community, like community violence, poverty and others. Pediatricians may not always know which of their patients and families have experienced trauma - that's why the AAP recommends trauma-informed care as a universal approach to pediatric care.
Learn More About Trauma-Informed Pediatric Care
The National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care empowers pediatricians and pediatric health care professionals with a universal approach that promotes safe, stable and nurturing relationships and the resources to recognize, assess and treat trauma to help children and families thrive.
For the official press release announcing the National Center, click here.
Click here to learn more about the National Center, or contact us.
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What's New
Check Out the National Center for Relational Health & Trauma-Informed Care at the AAP National Conference and Exhibition
- Come learn about new resources, connect with experts, and network with others working to integrate trauma-informed care into their practices and communities at the 2025 AAP National Conference & Exhibition in Denver, CO.
- Attend the Open House on September 27th at 12:30pm MT and network with colleagues who are promoting trauma-informed care within their practices and communities!
- Talk with the medical directors of the new National Center, Drs Heather Forkey and Moira Szilagyi on Sunday, September 28th at 10am MT at the AAP Resource Center (831) in the Exhibit Hall. Several additional informal “Meet the Expert” opportunities will be held throughout Saturday, September 27th and Sunday, September 28th. Click here to learn more about the “Meet the Expert” series!
Updated
|September 15, 2025
Upcoming Webinars
Shattering the Stigma: Trauma-Informed Care for Healthcare Heroes
September 16, 11:00am – 12:00pm CT
Pediatric healthcare providers often operate under high-stress conditions, with exposure to secondary trauma, burnout, and moral distress affecting both mental health and professional longevity. In this 1-hour webinar Dr Dena Hubbard will explore how the principles of trauma-informed care (TIC) can be applied not just to patients, but to support the well-being of healthcare providers themselves. Click here to register!
Updated
|July 29, 2025
AAP Recommendations
The AAP provides recommendations and guidelines to support pediatricians, other pediatric health care professionals and health care systems in the implementation of trauma-informed care.
AAP Clinical Report: Trauma-Informed Care
AAP Policy Statement: Trauma-Informed Care in Child Health Systems
Education & Training
Pediatricians and pediatric health care professionals are uniquely positioned to partner with families and support children who have experienced trauma. This makes it vital that pediatric health care professionals know how to recognize and respond to symptoms of trauma, understand the potential impact on development, behavior, and health and nurture relationships that can buffer the impact of trauma.
Interested in learning more about taking a trauma-informed approach to care? Explore the options below.
For Self-Directed Learning For Pediatric Trainees
Education and training opportunities for pediatric clinic staff are coming soon.
Resources to Share with Families
It is important for families to understand that trauma and toxic stress can be prevented, and recovery is possible if trauma has occurred. Share resources such as infographics, articles and parenting tips, available in English and Spanish to empower families with strategies for building resilience.
Chapter Partnerships to Advance Trauma-Informed Care
With funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the AAP has funded 15 AAP chapters to engage in awareness-building and education around trauma-informed pediatric care.
Webinars and Additional Resources
These resources provide information and guidance to support pediatricians in taking a trauma-informed approach to pediatric care.
Communications and Media
These tools provide additional information about trauma-informed care and related concepts.
Practicing Trauma-informed Care in Pediatric Settings
Stress and the Healing Power of Connection
The Power of Relationships in Pediatric Care: Uncovering Trauma & Adversity
Stay Up-To-Date on New Resources
The National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care team is continuously working on developing new resources. Sign up to be added to our bi-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on available resources, events and relevant updates regarding trauma-informed care and relational health.