Theresa Farro, CAP, LMHC, CCTP Mental Health Association

 The word “trauma” is used to describe experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing, and that overwhelm people’s ability to cope, leaving them powerless.  Trauma has sometimes been defined in reference to circumstances that are outside the realm of normal human experience. Unfortunately, this definition doesn’t always hold true. For some groups of people, trauma can occur frequently and become part of the common human experience.

 Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse including neglect and abandonment  Domestic violence  Natural disasters  Home Invasion  Car accident  Suicide  Sudden unexpected death of someone close  War or political violence

 btBk btBk  Trauma can be experienced by children: ◦ Directly ◦ Indirectly ◦ Witnessed Does trauma effect everyone in the same way?

 Symptoms and warning signs a child may have PTSD or have been exposed to a trauma. ◦ Disturbance in sleeping or eating ◦ Problems concentrating ◦ Nightmares and/or Flashbacks ◦ Irritability ◦ Avoidance of triggers of the event ◦ Feelings of detachment from others ◦ Cognitive distortions (“I should have told someone”) ◦ Exaggerated Startle Reflex ◦ Hypervigilance   Does everyone that experiences a trauma develop PTSD?

 Defiance  Verbal and/or physical aggression  Poor impulse control  Isolation  Poor social skills  Legal Issues  Substance use  Anxiety  Depression  Bed wetting

 Check your own reaction  Empathy vs. sympathy  Power and Control ◦ What is in your control? ◦ What is not in your control? ◦ Your reaction is key to this dynamic  Positive communication skills ◦ Tone of voice ◦ Body language  Role model ◦ Children see, children do ◦ Don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong.

 EVERYONE in the state of Florida is a mandated reporter but we are professionally mandated reporters. What is the difference between us and everyone else?  All suspected child abuse cases are called into DCF or submitted online.  Failure to report child abuse or neglect is now a 3 rd degree felony (it was previously a first degree misdemeanor)  -insight-summer-2012/florida%E2%80%99s-new- mandatory-reporting-law -insight-summer-2012/florida%E2%80%99s-new- mandatory-reporting-law  ode=Display_Statute&URL= /0039/Sections/ html ode=Display_Statute&URL= /0039/Sections/ html

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