Mission: Protect the Vulnerable, Promote Strong and Economically Self- Sufficient Families, and Advance Personal and Family Recovery and Resiliency.

Charlie Crist, GovernorGeorge H. Sheldon, Secretary

Department of Children and Families

November 4, 2010

Trauma-Informed Systems

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Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

• Learn about sources of potential trauma and complex trauma for individuals served by the Department.

• Learn about the principles of trauma-informed systems.

• Brainstorm ways to decrease the possibility that those seeking services and staff experience trauma.

Acute Trauma Chronic

Trauma

System Induced Trauma

Complex Trauma

Vicarious Trauma

The experience of multiple traumatic events.

The traumatic removal from home, admission to a justice or treatment

facility or multiple placements within a short time.

Both exposure to chronic trauma, and the impact such exposure has on

an individual.

A single traumatic event that is limited in time.

Types of Trauma

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Sources of Trauma

Economic HardshipDomestic ViolenceMental Health ProblemsSubstance Abuse AbuseHomelessnessSignificant Health Problems

Mission: Protect the Vulnerable, Promote Strong and Economically Self- Sufficient Families, and Advance Personal and Family Recovery and Resiliency.

Charlie Crist, GovernorGeorge H. Sheldon, Secretary

Trauma can occur at any age.

Trauma can effect anyone.

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TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE

Provides the foundation for a basic understanding of the

psychological, neurological, biological, and social impact

that trauma and violence have on many Floridians.

Incorporates proven practices into current operations to

deliver services that acknowledge the role that

violence and victimization play in the lives of most of the individuals entering our

systems.

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Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-Informed Care provides a new paradigm under which the basic premise for organizing services is transformed from

“What’s wrong with you?”

“What happened to you?”To

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Trauma-Informed Systems

When an agency takes the step to become trauma-informed, every part of its organization, management, & service delivery system is assessed & potentially modified to include a basic understanding of how trauma impacts the life of individuals seeking services.

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Trauma-Informed Systems

Trauma-informed organizations, programs, & services are based on an understanding of the vulnerabilities or triggers of trauma survivors that traditional service delivery approaches may exacerbate, so that these services & programs can be more supportive and avoid retraumatization.

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How Can You….

• Become more trauma-informed?• Make your environment, policies,

procedures and interactions empowering, collaborative, safe, and respectful?

• Include trauma survivors as evaluators, informants, and members of your team?

• Ensure that staff trauma is also a part of your plan?

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Jane B. Streit, Ph.D.Senior PsychologistDepartment of Children and Families, Children’s Mental HealthJane_Streit@dcf.state.fl.usPhone: 850.487.2767