Local group studying childhood trauma

When the Northern Utah Trauma Resiliency Coalition was formed in the spring its three principles said the goal was to prevent childhood trauma from happening whenever possible through increased awareness and support, and to buffer the impact when it does occur.

It is chaired by Dr. Ed Redd, Esterlee Molyneux, Executive Director of the Family Place, and Dr. Vonda Jump-Norman, a USU scientist in early childhood development.

Dr. Jump-Norman defines an adverse childhood experience.

“It might be something as simple as experiencing a divorce, for example,” she said. “Having a separation from a parent is very stressful for children. And we know that children recover from those things, right? Especially with the support of their parents, who are going through that difficult situation.”

This new transformational group includes agencies, parents, physicians, clergy, school representatives, as well as those from civic, business and state organizations.

During quarterly meetings, the next one is in November, the group is working to increase its knowledge of adverse childhood experiences and developing work groups to begin to move to action.

“We know that in Cache County over 60 percent of children have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience,” said Jump-Norman. “Also, 50 percent have experienced two or more. We want to move into developing strategies to help children and support the adults in their lives.”

She said they are working to create a trauma-informed community so citizens understand the impact of trauma on the development of children.

Those with questions or an interest in attending may contact Esterlee Molyneux at [email protected].

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