What is trauma-informed care?
Trauma-Informed care recognizes and responds to the signs, symptoms, and risks of trauma to better support the health needs of those who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and toxic stress.
SAMHSA identifies the four “R’s” to a trauma-informed approach:
Realize the widespread impact of trauma.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, family, staff, and all involved in the system.
Respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into all policies, practices and procedures, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.
To learn more about trauma-informed care, visit Trauma Matters Delaware.
Why is it important?
The effects of trauma place a heavy burden on individuals, families, and communities.
Trauma and toxic stress affects people of all ages, races, and zip codes. 67% of the population has experienced at least 1 ACES and 1 in 8 people have experienced 4 or more, meaning that this has affected a large majority of the people we interact with on a daily basis.
Those who have experienced trauma are more likely to develop negative health outcomes such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Addressing client’s past and present experiences through a trauma-informed approach can help build trust and prevent re-traumatization in practice.