Prevention of trauma for children exposed to war has been largely neglected, leaving professionals, communities and families with the task of treating children suffering from the effects of war.  Many suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and need diagnosis and treatment specifically tailored to their particular needs.  Effective treatment for children of war should be multilevel, including the community, school and family, along with intervention for the presenting child.  Unfortunately, this is often difficult to obtain due to the extreme environmental circumstances surrounding war.

     Communities can empower children by giving them as much control over their environment as possible and realistic.  In addition, communities should provide screening and intervention for children as well as training for adults working with children of war.  Schools play a huge role in facilitating treatment for children of war.  Maintaining a daily routine, allowing children free expression of feelings, answering questions clearly on an appropriate level, and giving children a positive outlet for their reactions to war are a few ways schools can aid in treatment.  Families should be fully informed of their child’s situation and helped to understand their child’s problem.  The child’s needs are most important and the family must be careful not to overwhelm the child.   On an individual level, many different types of therapy are commonly used.  Expressive therapy using art, music, poetry and storytelling can be effective, especially for younger children who may have a difficult time expressing their feelings in words.  Behavioral therapy combines relaxation with thoughts of trauma and pharmacological therapy may be used temporarily while other treatment is implemented.