FBI lays out 4 vital steps for speaking to children about trauma, crisis [Video]

How a child’s question – such as “Where’s mommy?” – in the wake of a crime or traumatic event is answered can either help a child cope, or snowball into violent, depressing adulthood, studies show. 

“The child may see the event as an intense threat to his or her safety and will typically experience a high level of fear or helplessness,” according to a report by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) published in April 2021. 

“Trauma experienced during childhood may result in profound and long-lasting negative effects that extend well into adulthood. The direct effects may be psychological, behavioral, social and even biological.”

It requires a very delicate approach by law enforcement that explains the truth in a way children can process while letting them know they’re not alone, the FBI said Monday. 

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It’s one of many topics discussed by the bureau as part of …