Trauma Care Conferences

The mental health crisis among children in Ukraine is severe, widespread, and long-term, with experts warning of a “generation of trauma” if not addressed urgently.

How severe is the problem?

Over 75% of children in Ukraine have reported experiencing symptoms of toxic stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD since the war began, according to UNICEF and Save the Children.

Many children – especially in front-line or occupied areas – have lived through air strikes, bombings, displacement, hunger, and loss of loved ones. These are not short-term events, but chronic traumas that shape the brain and emotional development.

Teachers, caseworkers, and chaplains report children who don’t speak, stutter, wet the bed, or show aggression – even when physically safe. Many are emotionally frozen, unable to play or laugh.

How HART is addressing this problem

It is vitally important to hold accredited Mental Health and Trauma Healing conferences for caseworkers, pastors, and Sunday School teachers in Ukraine because they are on the front lines of a nationwide child trauma crisis – yet most lack the training to respond safely or effectively.

Here’s why accreditation and proper training matter so deeply:

Children’s emotional wounds are complex and deep.

War-related trauma in Ukrainian children goes beyond sadness – it can reshape how their brains develop, how they trust others, and how they see themselves and God. Without trained, trauma-informed adults, these wounds can worsen over time, leading to a lifetime of emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles.

Untrained help can do more harm than good.

Even well-meaning adults can unknowingly trigger or retraumatize children if they don’t understand trauma responses. Accredited training gives caregivers the tools to recognize trauma, respond appropriately, and build trust and emotional safety – so true healing can begin.

Trusted local leaders are the key to long-term recovery.

Children don’t heal in therapy offices alone – they heal through consistent, safe relationships. By equipping the adults who interact with children every day – pastors, Sunday School teachers, and caseworkers—you multiply the impact of mental health care throughout entire communities.

Accreditation brings credibility and sustainability.

Accredited training ensures consistent quality, accountability, and the ability to build a network of trauma-informed caregivers across Ukraine. It also opens the door for partnerships, continued education, and even recognition by local institutions or the government.

In short, this training turns compassion into competence – equipping Ukraine’s faithful, front-line servants to help children not only survive trauma, but begin to heal and thrive.