Separation from family members can be difficult during trauma; however, Amarika’s family has family and neighbors in place to protect Amarika during the separation from her mother. Another protective factors, was the strong relationships within the community. After Makisha was shot, it was a neighbor who protected Amarika and took her to Mrs. Lawrence. Trauma can tax the coping resources of the child, family, and broader community, yet, Mrs. Lawrence and her family relied on their faith to bring them through this most difficult time. Amarika had the support of her doll, KiKi to bring her through the traumatic experience and helped her journey to adjustment and recovery. The violent shooting of Makisha was a traumatic reminder of her father’s
