What are Principles of Trauma-Informed Care?

Safety

In our organization, residents and staff feel physically and psychologically safe

Trustworthiness + Transparency

Decisions are made with transparency, and with the goal of building and maintaining trust

Peer Support

Individuals with shared experiences are integrated into the organization and viewed as integral to service delivery

Collaboration

Power differences — between staff and clients and among organizational staff — are leveled to support shared decision-making

Empowerment

Patient and staff strengths are recognized, built on, and validated — this includes a belief in resilience and the ability to heal from trauma

Humility + Responsiveness

Biases and stereotypes (e.g., based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, geography) and historical trauma are recognized and addressed

(Adapted from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s “Guiding Principles of Trauma-Informed Care.”)