Guide for Staff Support Children with Anxiety

Supporting Children with High Anxiety: A Guide for Staff on Trauma-Informed Care & Relationship Building

Many children in residential care live with high levels of anxiety, often shaped by trauma, loss and repeated change. This can show up in ways that are easy to misread, from outbursts and withdrawal to stomach aches and difficulty sleeping.

This guide helps staff understand where that anxiety comes from, how trauma affects the developing brain, and what can help children feel safe. It includes practical examples for different age groups and simple strategies for building trust, from calming techniques to small things you can do in a child's first days with you.

The Guide includes the following: - Understanding Anxiety in Residential Settings - The Impact of Instability and Relationship Breakdowns - Group Living and Sibling-Type Behaviour - The Importance of Connection Before Correction - Understanding and Addressing Toxic Stress - Strategies for Building Trust and Relationships