How toxic stress hurts children, and the fight against it
The science of how “toxic stress” affects developing brains is important in better understanding the challenges that vulnerable children and families face.
Toxic stress occurs when a child experiences prolonged exposure to stressful events and doesn’t have supportive relationships for comfort. The result can rewire a young child’s brain and lead to learning and health problems, even including heart disease later in life.
The state of Wisconsin is using that knowledge in an approach known as trauma-informed care when working with families in need.
Latino USA recently spent some time with First Lady Tonette Walker discussing Wisconsin’s Fostering Futures effort.