---
title: "PACE: A trauma-informed approach to supporting children and young people"
description: "  PACE: A trauma-informed approach to supporting children and young people explains a relationship-based approach developed by Dr Dan Hughes to help adults build safety, trust, and connection with children and young people who have experienced trauma. PACE stands for…"
url: "https://bridges4mentalhealth.org/hub/adoption-competence/pace-a-trauma-informed-approach-to-supporting-children-and-young-people/"
updated: "2026-11-02"
category: Adoption Competent Mental Health
tags:
  - Child welfare professionals
  - Families
  - Mental health professionals
---

# PACE: A trauma-informed approach to supporting children and young people

 

 PACE: A trauma-informed approach to supporting children and young people explains a relationship-based approach developed by Dr Dan Hughes to help adults build safety, trust, and connection with children and young people who have experienced trauma. PACE stands for **Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy** and encourages adults to look beneath behavior, respond calmly and compassionately, and help children regulate emotions before moving to reasoning or consequences

 

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