Objective: Research and theory suggest that neuroendocrine functioning, such as diurnal cortisol rhythms, plays an important role in emotional development and expression, but that this functioning can be impacted under conditions of elevated stress. Although mindfulness-based interventions show promise for improving emotional functioning, their effects on cortisol regulation in children remain unclear despite a solid theoretical foundation. This study provides preliminary data from a sample of children (n = 57; mean age = 10 years) on changes in diurnal cortisol rhythms associated with exposure to the Pure Power curriculum which is designed to teach youth yoga techniques, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. Methods: A non-randomized comparison design examined outcomes and diurnal cortisol levels among participants from schools that completed the intervention (n = 27) and from students in comparison schools (n = 30) assessed at three time points approximately one year apart. Results: Modeling of diurnal patterns indicated that youth in the intervention schools demonstrated a relative change in their cortisol levels at Time 2 towards a diurnal rhythm associated with less stress. Conclusions: The data provide initial evidence for an association between exposure to a yoga and mindfulness curriculum and neuroendocrine function. The conclusions are limited by the non-randomized design and small sample. Replication with randomized designs and larger samples is needed.

Pediatric health and mental health professionals with expertise in the physical and emotional needs of immigrant children seeking humanitarian protection are trained to understand and address the sometimes deeply traumatic nature of their experience. This expertise plays an important role in collaborating with immigration attorneys to provide compassionate, trauma-informed representation that centers on children's best interests. In medicine, we say that "children are not small adults," such that meeting a child's needs requires consideration of their developmental stage and the unique impacts of child trauma exposure. This also holds true for legal professionals dedicated to protecting the rights of children in migration. This article aims to (1) review the principles of trauma-informed care in the context of child development, (2) understand the traumatic nature of the migration paradigm for children from Mexico and Central America seeking safety and protection, and (3) suggest ways that healthcare, mental health and legal professionals can inform one another's efforts to optimize the wellbeing of children and improve legal outcomes. The application of this knowledge in practice can advance legal goals, reduce risk for child re-traumatization during interviews, and reinforce child strengths while also reducing vicarious trauma and burnout for legal professionals.

Few of the existing evidence-based interventions for child trauma exposure were specifically designed to address experiences and outcomes of complex developmental trauma. Stanford’s cue-centered therapy (CCT) was designed to address this gap by offering a flexible, integrative, and insight-oriented treatment approach that is grounded in principles of neuroscience, developmental trauma, client empowerment, and allostasis. This article reviews the CCT rationale, treatment components, evidence base, and training approach. Studies demonstrate promising outcomes indicating CCT effectiveness in reducing child and caregiver posttraumatic stress, and in improving child functioning. Further research, however, is needed to identify which clients are best-suited for CCT (versus other available child trauma treatments) and to identify which components of CCT are most critical for addressing complex developmental trauma. CCT advances the field of child trauma treatment by offering an intervention approach focused on addressing complex developmental trauma. Positive treatment and training outcomes indicate utility of CCT for clients and clinicians. Innovations in research and training approaches are needed to further dissemination and implementation of CCT and other related child trauma interventions for complex developmental trauma.

Interview with Dr. N. Ewen Wang on threats to the health and well-being of immigrant children. (10:43)Download Actions by the Biden administration to end harmful immigration policies are critically important. But solutions should also include creating conditions within the United States that will allow children exposed to immigration-related trauma to grow, learn, and thrive.

Interview with Dr. Ryan Matlow on proposed changes to U.S. regulations on standards of care for noncitizen children. (08:36)Download As part of an ongoing effort to deter immigrants from attempting to enter the United States, a new government proposal would permit the detention of noncitizen children and their families for indefinite periods in facilities without appropriate and independent monitoring.