Trauma-informed care is an approach that acknowledges the need to understand an individual’s life experiences in order to provide effective services.
Human service professionals using this approach presume that individuals are more likely than not to have a history of trauma. They recognize and respond to the impact of traumatic stress, the presence of trauma symptoms, and the role trauma may play in an individual’s life – including service staff.
Practicing trauma-informed care promotes a culture of safety, empowerment and healing.
Trauma Definitions: Three Levels of Trauma Work
- Trauma-informed services include things we all need to know.
- Trauma-responsive services include what we need to do (policies, practices and environment = culture) when we work with trauma survivors.
- Trauma-specific are the services we need to provide.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Resources
What is Trauma?
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
2020 Trauma-Informed PA Plan
Health Professionals: Using Trauma-Informed Care in a Medical Setting
How to Help Children Manage Stress