Childhood trauma has long-term impacts

Whether children are sexually abused or exposed to domestic violence between family members, the long-term impacts to their well-being are staggering.

Children who have experienced trauma or who have been exposed to domestic violence often experience physical and emotional stress as a result. For example, children may become anxious or depressed or use drugs or alcohol. Trauma can impair a child’s learning and thus impact their school performance.

Children who are harmed or exposed to domestic violence may learn the wrong lessons about relationships and can repeat what they have witnessed in their family with their peers or in dating relationships. Parents know this reality: Children listen and children learn.

In Alaska, we are making significant strides to protect children and help them heal. Through funds from Governor Parnell’s Choose Respect initiative, Alaska is now a ChildFirst state. ChildFirst is a forensic interviewing protocol, which brings the field into the classroom and greatly enhances the education of front-line child abuse professionals.

“The ChildFirst model was selected because it fits the culture and children of the state and has been proven to be more conducive to holding individuals accountable for the crimes they commit against children.” (Quote from Alaska Children’s Alliance press release)

Bringing ChildFirst to Alaska was the result of a multi-year effort by many committed advocates including the Alaska Children’s Alliance as well as Child Advocacy Centers from across the state.

We have an incredibly strong team of trainers who model the multidisciplinary approach to forensic interviewing and best practices in child maltreatment. Specifically, the ChildFirst training is designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers, social workers, prosecutors, child protection attorneys and forensic interviewers.

The University of Alaska Anchorage’s Child Welfare Academy is proud to be part of the ChildFirst training. Together, we are part of helping children grow, thrive and succeed in positive ways despite the harm inflicted on them.

In addition to ChildFirst, since 2012 the CWA has been partnering with the Office of Children’s Services on Strengthening Families Alaska. Through new Choose Respect initiative funds we are able to expand our efforts in Western and Northern Alaska.

We are drawing attention to the five Protective Factors that if present in families, will greatly reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment within those families. The Protective Factors include: Parental Resilience, Social Connections, Concrete Supports in Times of Need, Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development and Children's Social and Emotional Development.

Each of us as individuals and community members can be part of the protective network for children and parents. I encourage every Alaskan to support children in your community, celebrate their strengths and share your pride with them.

We at the CWA applaud our non-profit partners and the Choose Respect initiative for being part of creating safety for children and a foundation for a healthy future.

Tammy Sandoval is the director of the Child Welfare Academy at the University of Alaska Anchorage.