The past decade has brought with it a greatly increased awareness about the impact of trauma on children, which has, in turn, led to a focus on the treatment of trauma-related conditions. Much of the recent literature describes different approaches to therapy. However, there are a few consistent propositions arising from the research and clinical literature which suggest that much of the healing from trauma can take place in non-clinical settings. There is some evidence to suggest that trauma-informed living environments in which healing and growth can take place are a necessary precursor to any formal therapy that might be offered to a traumatised child. It stands to reason that the treatment of children exposed to complex trauma will itself be complex and long-lasting. However, there appears to be a remarkable consensus about the key prerequisites for healing--those critical factors or therapeutic pillars that need to be in place if healing is to take place. Although there is debate about the number of critical factors, there are three that are common to most approaches. This article outlines the three pillars of trauma-informed care: (1) safety; (2) connections; and (3) managing emotional impulses. (Contains 1 footnote.)