One of the most damaging factors in a child’s development is the effect of trauma and toxic stress, which can lead to children facing lifelong physical, behavioral, and emotional challenges. The effects of toxic stress are detectable as early as infancy and can be associated with failure to thrive, growth delays, sleep disruption, and developmental delays.
First 5 Contra Costa works with public and private healthcare and social service providers to build their capacity to screen, treat, and heal toxic stress. Through the Contra Costa Network of Care, an online learning community of providers, First 5 Contra Costa is providing training and building connections between health and social service providers to foster the adoption of trauma-informed practices that bolster families’ resiliency.