CYBERSPACE SIGHTING: Online resources aim to teach about kids, stress

LANSING (AP) - The Michigan Department of Community Health has launched online resources designed to provide information about the effects of trauma and toxic stress on young children. A new website aims to reach early childhood providers, parents, caregivers and others. The department says toxic stress refers to one or more experiences that threaten the safety and security of individuals. Examples of this can include family or community violence, financial insecurity or living with a family member who is mentally ill. The website also provides online self-learning units and a presentation that includes information about early brain development. And the department is seeking proposals for projects to plan and organize a strategy for addressing trauma and toxic stress. The website was developed as part of the Great Start Trauma Informed System initiative, which is funded by the federal government. -------- Online: http://www.michigan.gov/traumatoxicstress. Published: Fri, Jan 16, 2015