Trauma Assessment and Intervention for Children and Youth (TAICY)
The Trauma Assessment and Intervention for Children and Youth is an integrated, trauma-focused approach for children and adolescents ages 2–17. It is especially helpful when a child’s trauma history has been identified, but questions remain about how those experiences may be affecting their emotional, behavioral, developmental, and relational functioning. The process explores both areas of impairment and resilience to create a fuller understanding of the child’s needs.
The 8–12 Session Journey
The TAICY may be appropriate following experiences such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, traumatic loss, family separation, out-of-home placement, caregiver substance use or incarceration, community violence, medical trauma, serious accidents, or natural disasters.
Observation and Expressive Exploration
Children and adolescents are invited to participate in a combination of child-led and structured activities tailored to their age, developmental level, and comfort. Through play, art, storytelling, sand tray, conversation, and other forms of expressive work, clinicians observe how the child communicates emotions, understands experiences, approaches relationships, and responds to challenges. These activities allow children to share their inner world without relying solely on direct verbal disclosure.
Trauma Impact and Current Functioning
The clinician explores established areas of childhood trauma response, including emotional regulation, behavior, self-perception, safety, trust, coping, and the child’s understanding of what has occurred. Attention is also given to how the child functions at home, at school, with peers, and in other important environments. The goal is to identify how trauma may be affecting the child while distinguishing trauma-related concerns from developmental, relational, or environmental factors.
Relationships, Strengths, and Resilience
The assessment considers the child’s relationships with caregivers, peers, and other significant attachment figures. Clinicians identify sources of safety and support, existing coping resources, personal strengths, and signs of resilience that can become part of the healing process. This balanced approach recognizes that understanding a child requires attention not only to areas of difficulty, but also to the relationships and capacities that can support recovery.
Summary Report and Clinical Recommendations
At the conclusion of the EPBDA, caregivers receive a written summary report and individualized clinical recommendations based on the child’s unique needs. The clinician integrates information gathered through spontaneous play, structured activities, caregiver interviews, clinical observation, and relevant background information to provide a comprehensive understanding of the child’s strengths and areas of concern. Recommendations may include therapy, caregiver support, school-based accommodations, additional evaluations, or referrals to other professionals. Each recommendation is intended to build upon the child’s existing strengths while identifying meaningful opportunities for continued support and growth.
Reach Out for TAICY
We invite caregivers to reach out to see if the TAICY is a good fit for your child.