Often, providers become frustrated when working with youth, whether youth are not following rules and policies, not doing what they need to do to thrive, or other challenges. Therefore, it is vital to understand the impact of trauma on effective services designed to help youth. Without a trauma-informed care approach, youth can become re-traumatized, providers can struggle to establish trust and rapport with younger clients, and youth can feel misunderstood, guilty, and discouraged.

Complex Trauma Impact on Youth Experiencing Homelessness

The following excerpt is from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network publication, Complex trauma: Facts for service providers working with homeless youth and young adults. This excerpt highlights three ways complex trauma can impact youth. These include:

  1. INTERACTION WITH STAFF MEMBERS AND AUTHORITY FIGURES. Youth who have experienced homelessness may have a history of involvement with the child welfare and/or legal systems. Safety and trust issues are paramount for youth experiencing homelessness, making them reluctant to disclose personal information. They are likely to test staff to determine if they are reliable, honest, and consistent. It may take some time for staff to gain the trust and respect of these young people.
  2. INTERACTION WITH THEIR PEERS. Youth who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness may have experienced chronic or repeated abuse or neglect by a parent or caregiver. Therefore, they may have difficulty relating to others, including their peers. Additionally, youth may create “street families” in an attempt to find the unconditional love and support that they did not receive from their parents/caregivers. Homeless youth may tolerate abusive behavior from their street family or exploitive adults in exchange for a semblance of protection.
  3. ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS AND FOLLOW THROUGH ON CASE PLANS. Youth experiencing or who have experienced homelessness may appear unable or unwilling to comply with the rules and meet the expectations of the service agency. Complex trauma may cause youth difficulty regulating emotions, relating to others, planning for the future, and following through with beneficial activities. Depression, learned helplessness, learning challenges, and fear of failure can compound these difficulties. Program staff should keep in mind the impact of trauma on adolescent development, identify appropriate expectations for these youth, and patiently support youth in achieving age-appropriate skills.