This publication provides a glimpse into what trauma-informed care is, what its goals are, and how to implement it in an organization.
This guidance document begins with an introduction to what a trauma-informed approach is, noting how that kind of approach begins with developing an understanding of the physical, social, and emotional impact of trauma on an individual as well as on the professionals who provide help. The document states that trauma-informed care includes victim-centered practices and incorporates three elements: realizing the prevalence of trauma; recognizing how trauma affects everyone involved; and responding appropriately. It lays out the reasons for taking a trauma-informed approach to serving survivors of trauma, with a discussion of the key principles of a trauma-informed approach; details on how to implement a trauma-informed approach; and information on how to create a trauma-informed organization.