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Abstract: 

Assessment of childhood trauma is a challenging task that must take into account the history of trauma exposures, current status and functioning of the child across a range of domains and diagnostic categories, the status and functioning of the care-giving system, and the larger social context. The complexity of presentation and needs of this population point to the utility of a comprehensive assessment instrument that can be used in a range of settings in a flexible manner. This article describes the background and development of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths—Trauma Exposure and Adaptation (CANS-TEA) tool, an assessment instrument designed specifically to address the range of adaptations and relevant contextual factors for children exposed to traumatic experiences. This article discusses comprehensive assessment strategy in terms of the process of development, its clinical utility and application, and its ability to meet an important need in the field of child trauma.

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Affiliations:  1: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; 2: Justice Resource Institute; 3: Brookline Mental Health Center; 4: Children’s Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School; 5: Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital.