We Care

Every child and family deserves care that feels safe, respectful and supportive.

Our Trauma-Informed, Emotionally Safe Vision of Care

At Children’s Mercy, we want every child and family to feel emotionally and physically safe throughout their care. We consider your experiences, preferences and needs as we care for your child.

We work to make every visit safe and help it feel safe. We listen with compassion and respect how your family’s experiences may shape your child’s care.

Our goals are to:

• Make your visit safe.
• Make your visit feel safe.
• Interact with you and your child with compassion to your life experiences.  
• How Life Experiences Can Affect Health and Wellbeing

Many children and families experience difficult or stressful events. These experiences can affect how a child feels, copes, learns, responds to medical care and heals.

Stressful or traumatic experiences can happen in many ways, including:

• Difficult or frightening medical experiences.
• Exposure to violence, war or terrorism.
• Racism, discrimination or oppression.
• Separation from a loved one or the death of someone important.
• Physical or emotional neglect.
• Living with a family member who struggles with mental health or substance use challenges.
• Physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
• Challenges meeting basic needs such as food, housing, clothing or transportation.
  Why these experiences matter

Research shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can increase the risk of health, emotional and behavioral challenges later in life. Understanding these experiences helps us provide care that supports healing and wellness.

The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences

The good news is that positive relationships and supportive experiences can help children thrive — even when they have faced adversity.

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) help build resilience and can protect against the effects of stress and trauma. Families, schools, care teams and communities all play an important role.

Children benefit when they have:

Strong Family Connections

• A caring adult they can trust and rely on.
• Family traditions and opportunities to spend time together.

Safe, Supportive Relationships

• The ability to talk about their feelings with family members or trusted adults.
• Adults who listen, encourage and support them.

A Sense of Safety and Security

• A home environment where they feel protected and cared for.
• Adults who help them feel safe during difficult times.

A Sense of Belonging

• Connections to friends, school, faith communities, cultural traditions or community activities.
• Opportunities to participate and be included.

Positive Adult Role Models

• Trusted adults beyond a child’s parents or caregivers who show genuine interest in the child’s wellbeing.

Supportive Communities

• Neighbors, organizations and community members who look out for one another and help families succeed.