FAQs

"Trauma" can mean different things to different people. So let's begin with something a little more basic: hurt. 

Childhood trauma is caused by any stressful experience that overwhelms a person's sense of safety and leaves them feeling alone with the overwhelm. 

Abuse. Neglect. Natural disasters. War. Loss. 

Research shows that when a child experiences these profound deep hurts, it shatters their everything—their mental health, physical development, emotional regulation, family relationships, and future potential. 

In trauma’s wake, a person is left hurting, confused, and often feeling alone. This hurt can be felt for decades through epigenetics (yes, trauma is carried from generation to generation).  

Trauma grows. Fear grows. Loneliness grows. Heartbreak grows. 

This is how the cycles begin. Hurt children grow into hurt adults. Carrying wounds that never healed, these hurt individuals, unknowingly pass down pain to their family, friends, and community, continuing the cycle of trauma. 

In other words, hurt people, hurting people.

Learn more: TDC Resources: Childhood trauma

We know it.  

Childhood trauma’s ripple effects (hurt people, hurting people) fuel the most damaging global crises we see every day: child trafficking, extreme poverty, domestic violence, exploitation, and inequality. 

Without a healed person in their lives, a child can’t process their trauma—they can’t heal. 

They grow up to become another hurt person. But that's not the end of the story. Trauma doesn't have to be a life sentence. 

If a healed person (a resilient adult who has healed from their own trauma and is now a safe and compassionate presence for others) can intervene, trauma can be disrupted. 

Hurt children can begin to heal.  

The cycle of hurt people hurting people ends.  

And so does the trafficking, violence, and inequality. 

Healed people, healing people—that’s how we change the world. 

First, we help people see that healing from trauma is possible. 

Then, we share actionable ways for people to help kids who’ve experienced childhood trauma, heal. 

We empower adults.  

Because we do not believe that children should have to be resilient. We believe children deserve a resilient adult. 

If you feel hurt by hurt people—know that healing is possible. 

There are healed people out there who can help you heal. 

Go to our resources page for guidance.

Joining the Heal means adding your voice to the coalition.  
 
When you join, you sign up to stay informed and engaged. We send you our TDZ (Trauma Disruptor Zine) that shares ways to use your voice, your time, and your money to help children all around the world find healing. 

Who created the TDC?

All God’s Children International™ (AGCI) — the world’s leading child advocacy and trauma disruptor nonprofit.  

Where does AGCI work?

AGCI has team members around the world, working directly with children and families as well as alongside child welfare, judicial, education, police, and other systems to disrupt trauma.  

What does AGCI do?

AGCI is a global service provider working with children impacted by trauma who are separated from family. God has called us to disrupt trauma, restore children to family, and transform child welfare systems around the world... because no child should be alone. 

How does AGCI do that?

Children who have experienced trauma need safe, resilient adults to heal. 

Period.  

AGCI works with families, caregivers, and child welfare professionals across all levels of society in their own healing journey. This ensures the children in their care are surrounded by people who can truly help them heal.  

Is AGCI a Christian nonprofit?

Yes. Unashamedly so. 

That’s what motivates AGCI to do the work they do. 

They believe that all people, all children, matter to God. They believe God doesn’t want people to hurt people, but to heal one another instead.  

How can I learn more about AGCI?

Visit allgodschildren.org.