The information in this article was compiled to assist victim advocates who work with children and their caretakers to understand how the trauma affects the child s development when abuse has occurred especially when it occurs early in the child s life. This article should also be helpful to Tribes and Tribal agencies seeking to develop programs and services that will promote healing and wellness for Tribal children. This article also provides basic information that will help extended family members, foster parents, teachers and others who are involved with a child that has suffered trauma early in life.