Trauma-Responsive Training and Resources for Community Supervision Agencies

Trauma-Informed Care understands and considers the pervasive nature of trauma and promotes environments of healing and recovery rather than practices and services that may inadvertently re-traumatize. Being trauma-informed requires an active, ongoing commitment on behalf of all members of an organization in maintaining a basic understanding of trauma and adversity; recognizing and reflecting on how one’s self-view and worldview influence the interpretation of the here and now; and acknowledging that being trauma-informed is about the workforce as much as it is about individuals receiving services. (University at Buffalo Center for Social Research).

NIC is making a distinction in this project between trauma-informed practices and trauma-responsive practices. It is important to understand the six trauma-informed principles of (1) safety, (2) trustworthiness, (3)peer support, (4) collaboration, (5) empowerment, and (6) cultural, historical, and gender issues. However, staff also need to be provided with strategies and approaches in how to actively use these principles in their interactions with individuals under supervision.

Harris and Fallot first articulated the concept of trauma-informed care (TIC) in 2001. They focused on three primary issues: instituting universal trauma screening and assessment, not causing re-traumatization through the delivery methods of professional services and promoting an understanding of the biopsychosocial nature and effects of trauma. (Harris, Maxine; Fallot, Roger D.)

Since that time, medical and mental health providers have readily embraced the concepts of trauma-informed care and interest in this work has spread to other disciplines and professions. The use of trauma-informed practices and the requirement to train staff in these concepts is beginning to appear in state statutes as a requirement for state agencies. This project represents the intent to provide agencies across the country with a community supervision specific training in trauma-responsive practices that will address this need.