What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care (TIC) takes a holistic approach that considers the role of an individual’s past trauma in their present state in order to better meet individual needs, health, and well-being. Outside of individual employees and clinical practice, fully committing to TIC requires broader structural changes and commitment across organizational levels.

The below guidelines of TIC are adapted from SAMHSA’s “Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach”.

The 4 R’s of successful TIC implementation:

  1. Realize the widespread impact of trauma and understand paths for recovery
  2. Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in all individuals involved with the system
  3. Respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices
  4. Resist re-traumatization

The 6 core principles of TIC:

  • Safety
  • Trustworthiness & Transparency
  • Peer Support
  • Collaboration & Mutuality
  • Empowerment Voice & Choice
  • Cultural, Historical, & Gender Issues

How to Become Trauma-Informed

10 Implementation Domains:

  • Governance & Leadership
  • Policy
  • Physical Environment
  • Engagement & Involvement
  • Cross Sector Collaboration
  • Screening, Assessment, Treatment Services
  • Training & Workforce Development
  • Progress Monitoring & Quality Assurance
  • Financing
  • Evaluation