What is a Trauma Screening Tool or Process? 

Trauma screening is designed to be able to be administered to every child within a given system (such as child welfare) to determine whether he or she has experienced trauma, displays symptoms related to trauma exposure, and/or should be referred for a comprehensive trauma-informed mental health assessment. Trauma screening can include a particular tool or a more formalized process. Trauma screening should evaluate the presence of two critical elements:
(1)    Exposure to potentially traumatic events/experiences, including traumatic loss
(2)    Traumatic stress symptoms/reactions 
Not all children who experience negative events suffer posttraumatic or trauma-specific reactions as a result. Trauma screening should measure a wide range of experiences, identify common reactions and symptoms of trauma (e.g., PTSD, dissociation), as well as other commonly reported difficulties (e.g., anger, behavior problems, depression, anxiety). With proper training, professionals or paraprofessionals from various child-serving systems—pediatric/medical settings, schools, home visiting programs, and domestic violence programs/shelters—can administer the screening. 
Screening typically covers the following types of traumatic stress symptoms/reactions:

• Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts or feelings
• Intrusive memories of the event or nightmares about the event
• Hyper-arousal or exaggerated startle response
• Irritable or aggressive behavior
• Behavioral problems
• Interpersonal problems
• Other problems based on the developmental needs and age of the child