At Magis Foundation, we have started celebrating National Children's Mental Health Awareness with Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It is important for parents, family members and teachers to keep track of children's mental health for a healthy development. The key to healthy psychological health is awareness and prevention!
We'll be providing parents, family and caretakers with information from this campaign throughout this week.
First stop: Children and Violence.
In 2009, researchers found that more than 60 percent of youth age 17 and younger have been exposed to crime, violence, and abuse either directly or indirectly including witnessing a violent act, assault with a weapon, sexual victimization, child maltreatment, and dating violence. Nearly 10 percent were injured during the exposure to violence, 10 percent were exposed to maltreatment by caretaker, and 6 percent were a victim of sexual assault.1
With help from families, providers, and the community, young children can demonstrate resilience when dealing with trauma.
Research has shown that caregivers can buffer the impact of trauma and promote better outcomes for children even under stressful times when the following Strengthening Families Protective Factors2 are present:
- Parental resilience
- Social connections
- Knowledge of parenting and child development
- Concrete support in times of need
- Social and emotional competence of children
Trauma Data Source:
- Finkelhor, D., Hamby, S.L., Kracke, K., Ormrod, R.K., & Turner, H.A. (2009). Children’s Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National Study. Juvenile Justice Bulletin.
- Horton, C. (2003). Protective factors literature review. Early care and education programs and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Center for the Study of Social Policy.
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Brought to you by The Magis Foundation- Because mental health matters.
