Building a Trauma Informed System of Care Toolkit

Building a Trauma Informed System of Care Evaluation: Reach, Effectiveness, Successes, & Barriers

System Partner Suggestions for Moving Forward

Partners asked that the length of the bi-monthly System of Care meeting be extended to a two-hour meeting instead of one hour. They also requested that along with the “coaching and cheering” model for the meeting that a few minutes could be taken each meeting for system partners to describe what types of services they offer in order to enhances networking and referrals. Partners suggested creating a map or directory of other trauma informed programs within the region. They also requested that continuing education credit be offered for some training events, which would incentivize attendance. There was discussion about varying levels of competence in implementing trauma informed care among partners. Some agencies would like more advanced trainings to be offered. Offering tiered workshops (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced) was suggested. All partners agreed that there were gaps in agency representation in system of care with some sectors still needing to be added. Partners indicate that some trauma informed concepts like the SAMHSA Six Pillars, need to be revisited in settings where more discussion could ensue around identifying practical applications for each. When asked if they would want to return to providing services without an understanding of trauma informed care, not ONE organization indicated they would. All system of care partners agreed that while we are on our way, much more work and growth around this topic is still to come. Just as some of our focus group members indicated, trying to implement trauma informed care far and wide can be overwhelming. Evaluating the efforts can seem overwhelming, too, but do not be daunted. Try to gather information as you go. Enlist partners who love to measure and analyze. Most organizations track outcomes, so you can ask if partners will share data rather than feeling you need to collect it all yourself. You may offer to share data you collect with your partners as well. Remember, many of the outcomes of interest will be long term. If you are able to document rather simple metrics such as who was trained, from what sector, when, you are well on your way to an evaluation plan and as those long-term outcomes surface, you may be able to trace some of the cause to efforts you are making now. Evaluation: A Big Picture

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