Certain groups of children and families are more likely to experience trauma, facing higher exposure rates or an increased risk of repeated victimization. For some, additional challenges and specific hardships can make recovery more difficult. Others may encounter barriers to accessing support or may need services tailored to their unique circumstances.

Trauma and Substance Use

There is a well-established link between trauma and substance use, which can significantly affect children and families. This connection is evident whether the substance user is a parent, caregiver, or adolescent. Studies have shown that teenagers who misuse substances are more likely to have experienced traumatic events and are at a higher risk for developing PTSD, depression, aggressive behavior, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues. Similarly, adolescents who have gone through trauma are more vulnerable to engaging in substance use, as psychoactive substances may be used to cope with stress but also increase the likelihood of experiencing further trauma. Substance use by caregivers can have serious developmental impacts on children, even starting before birth. Parental substance abuse increases the likelihood of mental health issues and victimization for children. Furthermore, children living with substance-using parents may face dangerous situations such as domestic and community violence.

Economic Stress

Economic challenges—such as job loss, financial instability, and the closing of vital community services—can create significant stress for families. These hardships affect not only financial security but also emotional well-being, relationships, and future outlook. When parents experience stress and uncertainty, children absorb these feelings, leading to anxiety and worry about their family’s future.

Military and Veteran Families

Children from military and veteran families face unique pressures associated with military life. These include stress from parental deployment, adjusting to reunification and reintegration, frequent relocations, and the need to adapt to new schools and communities. Some children must also cope with a parent returning from combat with physical injuries or mental health issues, while others may face the loss of a parent. Although many military children demonstrate resilience, certain factors increase vulnerability, including young age, existing mental health issues, multiple deployments, limited access to resources, and living in single-parent or dual-military households. Children whose parents serve in the National Guard or Reserves may also face additional challenges due to a lack of connection to military support systems.

Unhoused Youth

An estimated 4.2 million youth face homelessness each year. Beyond losing their homes, communities, and sense of stability, many of these young people have also endured violence or other traumatic experiences. Research indicates that most homeless youth have experienced multiple traumas, and their responses are influenced by factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Once on the streets, these youth often face further trauma, including exposure to violence, substance abuse, and exploitation, which complicates their ability to heal from previous experiences. The constant threat of danger and lack of stability contribute to mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.

LGBTQ+ Youth

Youth who are part of the LGBTQ+ community face higher rates of trauma than their heterosexual peers. Common sources of trauma include bullying, harassment, intimate partner violence, sexual and physical abuse, and social rejection based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Historically, the needs of LGBTQ youth have been overlooked, leading to poor access to appropriate care and support. This lack of understanding has, in some cases, contributed to further harm and retraumatization.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at greater risk of experiencing trauma than their non-disabled peers. They face increased exposure to physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and restrictive practices such as physical restraint and seclusion. Medical procedures can also be a source of psychological distress for children with IDD, who may have chronic health issues requiring invasive treatments. Addressing trauma among children with IDD is particularly challenging due to communication barriers and the complexity of their medical and psychological needs.