Developmental Trauma & Complex PTSD In Children In Care – Advanced Zoom

Children in the care system have often faced multiple, overlapping traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and profound loss, frequently from the very caregivers meant to protect them. When trauma occurs during critical early development, it does not just affect the child; it reshapes their entire developmental trajectory, altering brain architecture, emotional regulation, and attachment systems.

This comprehensive, evidence-based training module moves practitioners away from punitive "zero-tolerance" behaviour management toward relationship-based, trauma-informed care. It equips carers and professionals to recognise Complex PTSD (cPTSD), calm dysregulated nervous systems, and become active agents in a child’s neurological and emotional healing.

Key Learning Highlights

• The Neurobiology of Trauma: Explore how early toxic stress impacts the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and brainstem, keeping traumatised children trapped in automatic Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Dissociation survival responses.
• Understanding Developmental Trauma: Unpack how relational trauma impacts six core domains: Attachment, Biology/Sensory, Affect Regulation, Dissociation, Behavioural Control, and Cognition.
• Recognising Complex PTSD (cPTSD): Distinguish standard PTSD from cPTSD (ICD-11), identifying why cPTSD is frequently misdiagnosed as ADHD or conduct disorder, and learning why up to 75% of looked-after children experience it.
• Rethinking Behaviour as Communication: Replace "zero tolerance" and punitive measures with relational approaches like Dan Hughes’ PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) and the therapeutic power of Repair after Rupture.
• Calming Body & Brain: Master the Window of Tolerance and utilise co-regulation, sensory diets, and body-based grounding techniques to support emotional self-regulation.
• Evidence-Based Treatments & Advocacy: Learn about clinical interventions including TF-CBT, EMDR, DDP, and Theraplay to effectively advocate for specialist CAMHS and trauma services.
• A Whole-System Response: Align home, school, social care, and multi-agency support plans around felt safety, while addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress and carer burnout.

Why Choose This Course?

Neuroplasticity proves that the brain can change and that safe, consistent, attuned relationships are neurologically reparative. This course replaces frustration with curiosity, equipping you with the practical tools and scientific confidence to help traumatised children move from survival to stability, integration, and growth.

Who Should Attend: Foster Carers, Prospective Adopters, Supervising Social Workers, Residential Child Care Workers, Team Managers, and Education/Health Professionals supporting care-experienced children.