All of our work progresses through these five phases:
- Setting the common agenda
- Identifying priorities
- Planning a project
- Taking action
- Setting a project down
We repeat phases 3-5 frequently, with each project we take on. We repeat phases 2-5 sometimes, when we’ve made a lot of progress or we want to be sure we’re on the right track. We repeat 1-5 very infrequently, when a deep and significant change has happened in our community.
Increase resilience across individuals, communities, and systems
This section is under construction. Please visit again soon for updates.
Increase access to trauma-informed care
What is trauma-informed care?
This definition of Trauma-Informed Care was created by Elizabeth K. Hopper, Ellen L. Bassuk, and Jeffrey Olivet.
There are six key principles of trauma-informed care:
- Safety
- Trustworthiness & Transparency
- Peer Support
- Collaboration & Mutuality
- Empowerment, Voice, & Choice
- Cultural, Historical, & Gender Issues
Becoming Trauma-Informed is a process.
There is an understanding of the word “trauma” and how it can change the way an individual views and interacts with others.
A trauma-informed lens is valued and trauma and resilience are identified as priorities in conversation and policy.
Knowledge of trauma and resilience are applied in work and behavior.
Trauma-informed practices are universally used with skill.
These descriptions were adapted from the Philadelphia ACE Task Force’s interpretation of the Missouri Model: A Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed Approaches.
Want to try it yourself? Consider using Trauma-Informed Oregon’s Trauma-Informed Care Screening Tool.
How can an organization become trauma-informed?
Any organizational change can be overwhelming and challenging to undertake. However, there are proven strategies for implementing and sustaining a Trauma-Informed Framework.
Conduct an Assessment.
Any sustainable organizational change should start with a self-assessment. The assessment tool should be thorough, measurable, and proven. By starting with an assessment, you create a baseline and are able to re-assess throughout the process. This will help you identify areas where you are improving and areas that might need additional efforts.
Work towards a Paradigm Shift.
Becoming trauma-informed requires a significant shift from “How we’ve always done things.” It’s not a one-and-done implementation. A trauma-informed framework changes the lens with which the entire organization views itself, its services, and its community.
Emphasize Safety.
The foundation of becoming trauma-informed is creating a safe environment for everyone who provides and receives care. A trauma-informed definition of safety includes the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of everyone who comes into contact with your organization.
Create a Culture of Wellness and Care.
The culture must reflect the values of wellness and care between individuals, communities, and systems. The organization must care for its employees and employees must be empowered to care for themselves, in addition to providing and modeling care for the people your organization serves.
Include Everyone.
Becoming trauma-informed is a system-wide approach that would impact every element of functioning and involve everyone who will be impacted. It is in our attitudes, beliefs, documentation, physical environment, and how we treat each other. It begins with someone’s first contact with the organization and continues through every interaction they have after that.
Want to try it yourself? Consider using the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Becoming Trauma-Informed Toolkit.
How do I know if my organization is ready to become trauma-informed?
It takes time and commitment to become trauma-informed. To determine if your organization is ready, it is important to consider three questions:
- Is my leadership fully supportive of, and committed to, embracing the process of becoming trauma-informed?
- Is becoming trauma-informed consistent with my organization’s missions, values, and strategies?
- Does my organization have the capacity to develop and implement a well-managed plan towards becoming trauma-informed?