Moving From “Trauma Informed” to “Asset Informed” Care

During this webinar, Ellen Galinsky of the Bezos Family Foundation and Dr. Robert Sege of the Center for Community-Engaged Medicine at Tufts University delivered powerful presentations stressing the potential of positive childhood experiences in mitigating childhood trauma and the importance of building on children’s and families’ assets. 

Dr. Sege, a professor of medicine and pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine, introduced the HOPE Framework — Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences. He also explained what research says about the impact of positive experiences on brain development and resilience. In a statewide survey of behavioral risk factors, Wisconsin adults were asked about both Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Those with more positive experiences were much less likely to experience depression or poor mental health, even if they also experienced multiple adverse experiences. He shared the Four Pillars of Hope and explained how they can help children succeed: 1) relationships with other children and adults; 2) a safe, equitable and stable environment for living, playing and learning; 3) engagement through social and civic activities that help them develop a sense of connectedness; and 4) social-emotional learning by playing and learning with their peers.

While pointing to the benefits of an increased awareness of the impact of prolonged adversity on children and families, Ellen Galinsky encouraged those in the field of early childhood development to expand beyond those problem-focused, trauma-laced concepts to narratives and solutions that are rooted in children’s and families’ assets. This asset-informed approach recognizes that adversity is not destiny, emphasizing the resilience of the developing child, especially when the child benefits from caring relationships. With studies showing that more than two-thirds of adults experienced at least one ACE and that one in five experienced three or more, this new approach also cautions against making negative assumptions about children who have experienced trauma. Stereotypes — including those responding to trauma — can harm children and become self-fulfilling prophesies. An asset-informed approach also recognizes that people who have experienced trauma should not be “defined” by their trauma. While encouraging those working with children and families to build on the family’s strengths, Galinsky shared how staff at “Attachment Vitamins,” a program developed by Alicia Lieberman at the University of California, always start their conversations with parents by asking them what they love most about their child. She explained how this focus on the parent-child connection provides a foundation for them to build upon.