Children and teenagers devote a significant portion of their time to online activity and remain in near-constant contact with others via digital communication. According to a survey of teenagers conducted by the Pew Research Center, most of the surveyed adolescents make use of at least one social media platform, a third of those reporting virtually nonstop use of one or more sites such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat

According to Intermountain Healthcare, traumatic events happen to roughly 80% of children and adolescents by the time they turn eighteen. “After exposure to traumatic experiences, some children and adolescents develop adverse traumatic responses, including acute stress disorder (ASD) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” (Intermountain Healthcare, 2020). Child Advocacy Centers like Cornerhouse serve children and teens who have likely experienced trauma and/or abuse. Many are at high risk for PTSD symptoms including suicidality. Other symptoms of traumatic stress include anger, avoidance of scary situations or trauma reminders, intrusive memories, and nightmares. Because one of CornerHouse’s missions is to help children and families heal from trauma and abuse, we implement “trauma screenings” to help them cope with stress and keep them safe.

Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are an essential component of the response to child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. At CornerHouse, advocacy services, forensic interviewing, and therapy each use a trauma-informed protocol in efforts to prevent and respond to instances of maltreatment of children. Such efforts extend to every interaction with the children and caregivers at a CAC, including those at the front door and in our lobby.

“The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that public schools can be held liable for their hiring practices after a Minneapolis charter school didn’t perform a thorough background check and hired a teacher and sports instructor with a history of sexual assault allegations.”

What does this decision impact? Learn more about this MN Supreme Court Ruling as you read our most recent white paper written by Training Director, Jane Straub.