Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry: a Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Over half of American children will experience at least one traumatic event, and nearly one in six will experience four or more events. These traumatic events affect children’s physical and mental health throughout their lives. Consequently, organizations which serve children, including local religious congregations, are urged to adopt the principles of trauma-informed care. The purpose of this study was to describe specific ways in which trauma-informed principles are applied by church children’s ministries. We gathered interview, focus group, and observational data from nine different children’s ministries that were previously identified as being exceptionally inclusive and supportive. Interview participants included nine children’s pastors, 17 children’s ministry volunteers, and 38 individuals across 14 families. Focus group participants included 20 children ages 7 to 13. Data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methodology using both a deductive and inductive approach. Drawing from prior literature, we deductively categorized the values (preparation, awareness, collaboration, and transparency) and goals (that children feel safe, regulated, connected, and valued) of trauma-informed children’s ministries. Results. Results inductively identify and describe specific ways in which each of these values and goals were applied in the children’s ministry context. Our results reveal that churches have the potential to be places of healing for children who have experienced trauma. Moreover, although many of these trauma-informed practices in a children’s ministry context are similar to a school context, there are important differences that make children’s church a unique context for care. We highlight the implications for children’s ministries.