NCJ Number
201338
Date Published
January 2003
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This guide performs as resource for those professionals providing support to young children and their families who have experienced violence and aids in providing a better understanding of the silent realities of their experiences.
Abstract
Young children may experience violence at very early ages or they may be exposed to traumatic events as victims, witnesses, or just by being aware of the violence around them. For children, violence is often a silent reality because they are too young to talk about the violence or too afraid to bring it up. In addition, adults may pretend the violence does not exist or choose not to discuss the violence. The reality of violence remains silent. This guide summarizes the main ideas presented at an institute held in April 200, in conjunction with the National Head Start Association training conference. The guide begins with an overall discussion of the silent realities and in breaking the silence. It continues with a discussion on the process of helping children heal which includes dealing with difficult behaviors and seeking professional help. The guide concludes with the healing of adults which begins by first caring for oneself. The final section also discusses how early care professionals can help parents help their children, the role of staff who have expertise in mental health or social work, and the role of administrators. Resources