Building a Trauma Informed System of Care Toolkit

Building a Trauma Informed System of Care System of Care Meetings

Cheering System Partners

System of Care meetings are a perfect setting for inspiring one another in the journey towards becoming trauma informed. No what position someone holds or what type of organization is involved, barriers and setbacks will be faced and naysayers will be encountered. Members of the system of care will be inspired by hearing the creative ways others are implementing trauma informed practices into their services and overcoming barriers along the way, and many will be encouraged to stay on course. Keep in mind, a central focus of your system of care is moving community partners from awareness of ACEs to acting to reduce the effects of them. Most surprising to us in Johnson City is how over time, partners continue to find new ways to implement trauma responsive practices into every imaginable type of service. In the three years since this system of care began, programs have moved rapidly from education to culture change. The following are some examples of activities reported at past meetings.

Children ’ s Cancer Center A children’s cancer research program has expanded its pain protocol options to eliminate physically restraining children when inserting a port or IV. In addition, the cancer research program is hosting therapeutic groups for the family members to help process the trauma of navigating illness in their child. The Boys and Girls club constructed a “calming room” to help children deescalate when upset rather than having staff reprimand them as a first response to negative behavior.

Police/School Partnership Area law enforcement agencies now partner with their respective school districts to implement the “Handle with Care” program. The goal of this initiative is to prevent children’s exposure to trauma and violence, reduce the negative effects experienced by children’s exposure to trauma, and to raise awareness of this issue. If a child is involved in any way during a police call, their school is notified with the child’s name and the words “handle with care.” No further information is shared, but the staff of the school know to watch for signs of distress and interact with that child particularly compassionately.

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