The ChildTrauma staff began their daunting task in 1995 by teaming with Harris County Child Protective Services to study 600 children over two years. The program then was expanded to include 800 additional children over three years. The effort now is being taken to the state level. Within the next five years, the project is expected to register and track 10,000 children statewide. It can result in profound emotional and physical health problems.
Traumatized children are vastly underserved nationwide.
Fewer than one-eighth of these children receive help. No research group has ever followed large groups of traumatized children to document their progress or lack thereof. Many studies, including several at Texas Children's Hospital, have documented that trauma and persistent fear in childhood can actually change the biology of the brain and cause children to have lifelong mental, psychological and social problems, according to Perry. If we're going to stop the cycle of trauma and pain, we must understand what happens to maltreated children. The ChildTrauma Academy, founded by Perry, offers assistance to children following traumatic events, including abuse, neglect, domestic violence, car accidents and natural disasters.