Blog

For children who have experienced trauma, a sense of safety cannot be taken for granted. It must be created intentionally through predictable relationships and nurturing environments. Early experiences of neglect, loss or abuse can leave children feeling hyper-alert or mistrustful, even when they are physically safe. Establishing safety is therefore an essential foundation for healing, […]

Leaving care is a major life moment for any young person – and for those who have lived through trauma, loss or instability, it can be one of the most emotionally complex transitions they will face. Many describe this stage as exciting and full of possibility, yet also unsettling, lonely, or frightening. “Becoming independent” can […]

Parenting or caring for a neurodiverse child can bring huge joy-and at times, significant challenge. This is especially true when autism, ADHD and trauma overlap. Many families describe moments of overwhelm, emotional outbursts, difficulties with attention or distress around change, yet feel unsure what sits beneath these behaviours. Is it neurodiversity? Trauma? Sensory overload? Anxiety? […]

Sleep is essential for children’s growth, learning, and emotional well-being. Yet for many children and young people who have lived through adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma, restful sleep can feel difficult to achieve. Carers often describe long settling times, frequent waking, distress in the night, or patterns of exhaustion that affect concentration and […]

Foster care offers children the chance to experience safety, consistency and connection after periods of instability or trauma. When placements work well, they provide a powerful foundation for healing and growth. But foster carers are often supporting children with complex emotional histories, while navigating high expectations and systemic pressures that can feel overwhelming. At Meadows […]

Working with children and young people means not only supporting their present needs but also understanding their past experiences and how those experiences shape who they are today. Increasingly, the term adverse childhood experiences or ACEs has become central to conversations about childhood trauma, resilience, and support systems. But what are ACEs, and why do […]

A Comprehensive Guide for Trauma-Informed Work with Children and Young People Working with children and young people who have experienced trauma can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly complex. Their behaviours often communicate what they struggle to articulate or don’t yet have words for; e.g., distress, unmet needs, and survival strategies developed in unsafe environments. […]

Caring for children who have experienced early trauma or disrupted attachments requires more than love and stability. It requires a deep understanding of how those early experiences shape behaviour, relationships, and emotional development. At Meadows Psychology Service, we work closely with foster carers, adopters, and professionals to support children with complex needs using trauma-informed approaches, […]

Engaging in trauma-informed care is incredibly rewarding, enabling you to offer support and assistance to individuals who may not have experienced the care they rightfully deserve. However, working in a trauma-informed way can also be emotionally challenging at times. When supporting children or young people with experience of the care system, it’s important to recognise […]