If we want to better understand some of the challenges that youth in foster care experience, we need to understand the impact of trauma on social-emotional development, relationships, and sexual behavior. Effects can include: Isolation Distrust Hypervigilance Power struggles Self-blame Shame Guilt It is important to recognize both the potential impacts of trauma and your foster child’s ability to heal and create healthy relationships with support. You do not need to know the details of a child’s trauma history in order to create a supportive, trauma-informed environment and relationship. One of the most important aspects of a trauma-informed conversation is to avoid messages that reinforce fear or shame.