Childhood Attachment and Relational Trauma Screen
CARTSRelational Trauma Exposure (Children)
20 items
2003
α 0.76–0.85
Free
Cook, A., Blaustein, M., Spinazzola, J., & van der Kolk, B.
Clinical safeguarding note: Freely available from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Designed for professional use in paediatric and child welfare settings — not a self-report instrument. Appropriate clinical follow-up and safeguarding must be in place. Useful for identifying children who may meet criteria for developmental trauma disorder.
What it measures
A brief screening tool for complex developmental trauma in children and adolescents, covering both trauma exposure (neglect, abuse, domestic violence, community violence) and trauma-related functional impairment across six developmental domains. Designed for use in child welfare, paediatric, and educational settings.
Representative items
- Has this child experienced physical abuse? (Exposure)
- Has this child experienced neglect or abandonment? (Exposure)
- Does this child have difficulty managing emotions? (Affect Dysregulation)
- Does this child have difficulty forming trusting relationships with adults? (Attachment)
- Does this child have a negative or distorted view of themselves? (Self-Concept)
Citation
Cook, A., Blaustein, M., Spinazzola, J., & van der Kolk, B. (2003). Complex trauma in children and adolescents. National Child Traumatic Stress Network.