There is no single type of person who develops PTSD following trauma. Trauma can happen to anyone, but some people may be more at risk than others. Children who end up in foster care often come from backgrounds that are less than ideal, and separating from their parents can also be traumatic. These are some ways that trauma treatment programs for youth can help foster families.

1. Trauma treatment provides assistance based on science and evidence

When a child is in trouble, people naturally want to help. However, some forms of assistance are ineffective or even unintentionally harmful. Trauma treatment programs utilize techniques that are scientifically proven to be helpful for young people suffering from trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy have all been developed by psychologists as ways to provide kids with coping mechanisms while gently challenging disordered thinking.

2. Psychological intervention can help foster kids grow into healthy adults

First and foremost, the goal of any parent should be to help kids grow into healthy, happy, productive adults. Looking after kids' mental health through appropriate psychological interventions is one way to accomplish this goal. Children who work through their issues in therapy are less likely to repeat patterns of abuse in adulthood. Trauma treatment programs can teach kids to draw appropriate boundaries and advocate for themselves, two life skills that are valuable at any age.

3. Treatment can reduce the risk of self-harm in traumatized youth

Trauma changes the structure of the brain, which can lead to cognitive issues. Kids who do not have appropriate coping mechanisms may struggle to cope in other ways, such as resorting to drugs, inappropriate sexual behaviors, and other forms of self-harm. Punishing kids who act out due to trauma can have a paradoxical effect and serve to reinforce these behaviors. On the other hand, evidence-based trauma treatment can help kids heal so they no longer feel the need to engage in harmful behaviors to get their needs met.

4. Foster parents will learn how to support their kids in their recovery

Integrating a foster child into the family can be challenging, and foster parents don't always have the skills they need to help a traumatized youth. Parents will be included in kids' treatment plans as a source of love and support. Your child's counselor can teach you how to be there for your foster child while also providing enough independence and space to allow for growth.

Contact a company like LifeLine For Youth to learn more.