Trauma-Informed is “What’s happened to you?” or “What’s your story?”
Trauma-informed care refers to the recognition of the pervasiveness of trauma and a commitment to identifying and addressing it early, whenever possible. Trauma-informed care also involves seeking to understand the connection between presenting symptoms and behaviors and the individual’s past trauma history. It involves the provision of services and interventions that “do not inflict further trauma on the individual or reactivate past traumatic experiences” (Hodas, 2006).
People are best supported by providers who understand the need to use trauma-informed practice methods. Trauma response focuses on building resiliency.
What do trauma-informed practices look like in the child care setting?
Provide a safe place, like a coping corner, for children to be able to be alone.
Provide mindfulness activities throughout the day.
Use trauma-informed language such as “I hear you”, “I believe in you” or “I support you”.
Help children learn how to recognize and control their emotions effectively.
For example, you can ask the child if you can hold their hand while they calm down. Teach them breathing techniques and model appropriate words, rather than yelling.
The Kentucky Strengthening Families Initiative encompasses 6 Protective Factors.
This Initiative supports the use of these Protective Factors which helps providers shift their practice to better align with developmental science, to be more responsive to trauma, pay attention to developmental issues and support families and caregivers in nurturing the children in their care.
Protective Factors are conditions or attributes that mitigate risk and promote healthy development. Protective Factors reduce the impact of adversity and support an individual’s well-being to bounce back in order to move forward!
Kentucky Strengthening Families Initiative:
6 Protective Factors
Parental Resilience
Families and providers bounce back to move forward.
Social Connections
Families and providers have friends they can count on.
Knowledge of Child Development
Families and providers learn how their children grow and develop.
Concrete Support in Times of Need
Families and providers get assistance to meet basic needs.
Social and Emotional Competence of Children
Families and providers teach children how to have healthy relationships.
Nurturing and Attachment
Families and providers ensure children feel loved and safe.
Welcome to the Trauma-Informed Care and Resiliency Training.
I am LaTanya, the trainer, and I will be taking you through this training. Before we begin, it is important to mention that we will be discussing trauma and its impacts. Please be aware that certain words, phrases, pictures or scenarios may trigger some individuals as we discuss trauma.
Training Objectives
Define what it means to be Trauma-Informed.
Identify basic signs and symptoms of trauma in adults and children.
Describe practical strategies for families and caregivers to use with children.
Identify what it means to be resilient and how to build resilience.
Explain how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can combat Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Workplace Objectives
Participants will increase their understanding and knowledge of trauma-informed care by providing an environment that is trauma-informed and helps build resilience in children.
A note on self-care
Talking about trauma is difficult and may elicit a range of emotions and thoughts. We all respond to material differently at different times. As you take this training, pay attention to your own needs and respond as needed. Feel free to pause the training and return at a later date if necessary. You may also feel impacted after you leave this training.
Use coping strategies, as needed, to help process any responses. Coping strategies could include:
Physical activity
Talking to friends, family or colleagues
Journaling
If you find you are impacted in ways that feel bigger than the coping skills suggested, please talk to a professional. Being impacted does not mean you cannot do the work or are not cut out for the work – it is just confirmation that the work is hard. We will talk more about this later in the training.
Social Connections