My Civics Project Cycle 1 Kansas City Cecelia Cobbs

1. Childhood
Trauma in the
Black
Community
Cecelia Cobbs

2. 4 Major Traumas caused in Children in the Black
Community
Racial Trauma
Community Violence
Family Instability and
Stress
Educational
Disparities
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3. Statistics
Studies indicate that nearly 70% of
Black children have experienced some
form of racism or discrimination by
adulthood, impacting their mental
health significantly (APA).
Despite experiencing higher
rates of trauma, Black children
often face challenges in
accessing mental health
services. Approximately 70% of
Black youth with mental health
needs do not receive the care
they require due to various
barriers, including limited
access to culturally competent
care and socioeconomic
disparities.
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Research indicates that Black children
are more likely to experience ACEs
compared to their white counterparts.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), Black
children have a higher prevalence of
experiencing multiple ACEs.
Homicide is the leading cause of death
for Black youth aged 10 to 24, with a
majority of these deaths attributed to
firearms (CDC).
Black students are about three times
more likely to be suspended or expelled
compared to their white peers,
contributing to their increased
involvement in the juvenile justice
system (US Department of Education).
Studies indicate that the prevalence of
PTSD among Black youth can range
from 7% to 12% compared to 4% among
white youth (National Center for PTSD).

4. The Causes of Childhood Trauma
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Systemic Racism:
Structural inequalities
perpetuate trauma,
limiting opportunities and
creating barriers to
success, leading to
chronic stress and
adverse childhood
experiences.
Lack of Mental Health
Support: Stigma
surrounding mental
health care and
inadequate access to
culturally competent
mental health services
prevent many Black
children from receiving
timely and effective
support.
Absence of Safe
Spaces: Limited safe
recreational spaces and
community programs
often force children to
navigate environments
where exposure to
violence and trauma is
more likely.

5. Family
Instability and
Household
Dysfunction
Adverse experiences within the
household, such as parental
substance abuse, domestic
violence, or parental
incarceration, affect a significant
percentage of Black children. For
instance, about 25% of Black
children have had an
incarcerated parent (The
Sentencing Project).
Parental substance abuse can lead to neglect, inconsistent caregiving,
financial instability, and exposure to unsafe environments for children.
Children exposed to domestic violence within their households,
whether as witnesses or victims, often suffer from emotional trauma,
fear, and stress.
Data indicated that about 1 in 4 Black children in the United
States have had an incarcerated parent at some point in their
lives.

6. Solutions
Culturally Competent Mental Health Services:
Increasing access to mental health resources that are
culturally competent and sensitive to the unique
experiences of Black individuals and communities is
crucial. This includes training mental health
professionals in cultural humility and ensuring
services are accessible and affordable.
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Parental Education and Skill-Building: Offering
programs that empower parents with skills in conflict
resolution, parenting techniques, and coping strategies
can help in maintaining stable and nurturing home
environments. These programs can also assist in
breaking cycles of dysfunction and trauma within
families.
Access to Affordable Housing and Economic Support:
Addressing economic disparities and providing access to
stable and affordable housing can alleviate some stressors
contributing to family instability. Housing assistance programs
and initiatives that support economic empowerment for Black
families can be impactful.
Community-Based Support Networks: Fostering
community support networks and organizations that
specifically cater to families dealing with instability can
provide valuable resources, guidance, and a sense of
belonging. These networks can offer mutual aid, mentorship,
and advocacy for families in need.
Trauma-Informed Approaches in Schools and
Communities: Implementing trauma-informed
practices within educational settings and community
organizations can create safe and supportive spaces
for children experiencing family instability. This involves
training educators, social workers, and community
leaders to recognize and address trauma-related
behaviors and needs.
Policy Advocacy and Reform: Advocating for
policies that address systemic issues contributing
to family instability, such as criminal justice
reform, affordable childcare, access to healthcare,
and poverty alleviation measures, is crucial for
creating long-term solutions.

7. Opportunities and Resources
Worldwide
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): While not exclusively focused on the
Black community, the NCTSN provides resources, interventions, and supports for
children of all backgrounds experiencing trauma, including those within the Black
community.
Center for Black Health & Equity (formerly known as NBHE): This organization
focuses on improving health and wellness among Black communities, which includes
addressing childhood trauma through advocacy, education, and community-based
initiatives.
The Steve Fund: This organization focuses on the mental health and emotional well-
being of young people of color, including Black youth. They provide resources,
programs, and support to address mental health disparities in educational settings and
communities.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): BEAM is a collective of
advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers,
psychologists, and activists committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of
Black communities.
Local
The Children's Place: Located in Kansas City, this organization provides
therapeutic care, support, and resources for young children who have experienced
trauma or abuse.
Rose Brooks Center: A domestic violence shelter in Kansas City offering
emergency services, housing, and support for individuals and families affected by
domestic violence. Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP): This organization
serves LGBTQ+ individuals and others affected by domestic violence, offering
advocacy, support, and resources.
ReDiscover: A mental health agency in Kansas City providing substance abuse
treatment, counseling, and support for individuals and families dealing with mental
health challenges and substance use disorders.
Synergy Services: Offers a range of services in Kansas City, including emergency
shelter, counseling, and support for families dealing with domestic violence,
homelessness, and trauma.
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8. Links
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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): https://www.nctsn.org/
Center for Black Health & Equity (formerly known as NBHE):
https://www.centerforblackhealth.org/
The Steve Fund: https://stevefund.org/
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): https://beam.community/
The Children's Place: https://childrensplacekc.org/
Rose Brooks Center: https://www.recoveryhelper.org/
ReDiscover: https://www.rediscovermh.org/
Synergy Services: https://www.synergyservices.org/

9. Video (If we have time)
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https://youtu.be/H96BP91-6sE?t=9

10. Thank you
Cecelia Cobbs​
ccobbs@icstars.org
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