Research

Child and Family Trauma

The Child and Family Trauma Program (CFTP) of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS), the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) established and maintains professional expertise in military and civilian family and child violence and trauma exposure that is designed to answer questions and to develop community, family and child based strategies for intervention that would foster health and well being. Even more challenging, families and children in the present war on terrorism, sometimes contend with the combat-related injury, illness or death of parents. Very little data exist to suggest the most appropriate community based approaches to supporting children and families through these experiences. The scientific studies that have examined the impact of parental injury, illness or death on children in the civilian population have evidenced substantial behavioral and emotional responses in these children. The Center serves as an ideal site for the CFTP-CSTS. The Center has established national and international relationships with multiple organizations, universities, and government agencies that serve as partnerships in its wide-ranging Family and Child mental health promoting activities.

The Center’s approach integrates science, clinical care, community needs and the health of the nation. Its team is multi-disciplinary with expertise in disaster psychiatry, military medicine and psychiatry, social and organizational psychology, neuroscience, family violence, workplace preparedness and public education.