Complex Trauma: In Urban African-American Children, Youth, and Families

Purpose

This fact sheet provides information on complex trauma in racial minority groups, particularly those with lower incomes. It focuses specifically on urban African American communities.

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Last updated: August 9, 2018
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Resource information

Resource: Complex Trauma: In Urban African-American Children, Youth, and Families

Target audiences

  • Physicians
  • Public health professionals
  • Mental health professionals
  • Environmental professionals

Target situation

This resource is for health professionals who want to build supportive relationships with racially and economically segregated communities. It focuses on African American children and families who have experienced complex trauma. This includes historical trauma and intergenerational racism.

The fact sheet:

  • Discusses how families in racially and economically segregated communities cope with the effects of historical trauma and intergenerational racism.
  • Presents information about specific barriers African Americans face in obtaining services.

While not focused on contamination, the fact sheet is relevant for understanding background/chronic stressors in certain communities, including those experiencing contamination.

Main objectives

Secondary objectives

  • Legitimize Stress
  • Communicate Risk
  • Community Preparation
  • Community Engagement

Resource type

Fact sheet

Publication Year

2017

Additional Reading

Ethnicity and Disease. "I think that's all a lie...I think it's genocide": Applying a critical race praxis to youth perceptions of Flint water contamination