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Provider Resources

Trauma Screening

A screening tool is a validated and reliable tool that is designed to identify trauma in children or adults.

The purpose of screening is not to provide a diagnosis but to explore and understand how trauma may be a factor in impacting a child’s well-being or ability to function. The screener is used as a guide to consider whether a trauma-specific, in-depth assessment and services should be considered.

There are a variety of trauma screening tools available.

The following items are examples of tools that are used to screen for trauma:

MichiCANS Comprehensive

  • The Trauma Module component of this tool can be used for trauma screening.
  • Ages Birth–21.

Trauma Screening Checklist - Used within MDHHS Children's Services Administration:

  • Ages 0-5 and 6-18.

University of Minnesota’s Traumatic Stress Screen for Children and Adolescents (TSSCA)

  • Six-item self-report report.
  • Ages 5-18.

Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ-R2)

  • Various forms of the Questionnaire (reduced item version as 12 questions).
  • Ages range from youth, ages 8-17, report for the past year or lifetime. Caregiver report available for scoring on the past year or lifetime of the youth.