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The Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) is a brief questionnaire used to screen for potentially traumatic experiences, post-traumatic stress symptoms and their effect on daily life. It is based on DSM-5 post-traumatic stress disorder criteria and can help a child psychologist assess the need for a more detailed trauma assessment.
CATS is a screening measure. It is not a cognitive test, treatment or stand-alone PTSD assessment. A score cannot confirm or rule out PTSD by itself.
The form used depends on the child’s age and the referral question:
For young people aged 7 to 17, a psychologist may use both self-report and caregiver forms when this would add useful information. Different responses do not automatically mean that either person is incorrect. Children and caregivers may notice different symptoms or see their effects in different settings.
The original CATS includes questions about 15 types of potentially traumatic events, 20 post-traumatic stress symptoms and five areas of psychosocial functioning. The questions consider whether frightening or stressful experiences have occurred, symptoms associated with those experiences and whether they interfere with everyday life.
Symptoms explored include unwanted memories or dreams, avoidance, changes in thoughts or mood, alertness and physical or emotional reactions. The psychologist should interpret responses carefully because similar experiences can occur in other mental health, developmental or situational contexts.
CATS can be completed as a questionnaire or administered as an interview. An interview may be more appropriate for a younger person or someone who needs support with reading or comprehension. The measure itself is brief, but the total time required varies according to age, the form used, reading and communication needs, breaks, safety considerations and clinical follow-up.
Because the questions concern potentially traumatic experiences, completion should form part of a safe clinical process. The psychologist may need to clarify responses, assess current safety and discuss appropriate support. The appointment may therefore take longer than the questionnaire alone.
Responses can indicate the level and pattern of reported post-traumatic stress symptoms and their effect on functioning. An elevated score is a positive screening result, not a diagnosis. Official guidance recommends following a positive result with a semi-structured clinical interview.
The psychologist considers CATS results alongside the child’s developmental and mental health history, the nature and timing of experiences, current functioning, safety and other relevant information. Results do not guarantee a PTSD diagnosis, treatment recommendation, school adjustment, funding or service eligibility.
CATS is a brief child or caregiver screening measure. CAPS-CA-5 is a more detailed clinician-administered interview for young people aged 7 and older. A psychologist decides whether either measure is appropriate within the broader assessment question.
Learn more about Quirky Kid’s trauma and PTSD assessments for children, or book an initial consultation to discuss the most suitable next step.
Our clinic provides psychological assessments and personalised treatment plans to support your child's needs. Our experienced psychologists gather detailed information to explore diagnoses and deliver effective interventions.
Each assessment results in a comprehensive report with background information, medical history, observations, and practical recommendations.
Our treatment plans address specific challenges and promote overall well-being.
Complete the form to schedule an assessment or treatment plan for your child.
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