Building a Trauma Informed System of Care Toolkit

Building a Trauma Informed System of Care Every Community Needs a System of Care

Imagine being a first responder at the horrific scene of a 5 story building in your town that is on fire. As fire personnel begin rescuing those trapped inside, you see on the 4th floor, the face of a small child all alone who is frantically peering out the window. If this scenario were to be compared with the devastating effects of childhood trauma, in Johnson City, we have had the attitude that we cannot yell up to the child on the 4th floor and say, “We’ll be back in a few years when we have grant money to reach your floor.” Certainly we understand it might take time to reach all, but at least we’ve sounded the alarm that we need all hands on deck to help with the rescue!

Some of the greatest challenges faced by every city in our nation, have their roots in a common problem--the childhood trauma experienced by the individuals who are living there. Communities with overcrowded prisons, increasing homelessness, gang violence, and high rates of drug addiction, search for answers to these social concerns; yet often do not realize that each of these problems can in some way be attributed to childhood trauma experienced by many who have no support system. Upon recognizing the connection between trauma and poor physical and social outcomes, communities have a responsibility to develop a plan to raise awareness about trauma by educating local partnerships and service providers on what trauma is and how to systematically identify it. Then those partners can collaborate to reduce its effects. The good news that has come from the ACEs study is that we now know that what is predictable is preventable. As communities begin to recognize the devastating effects of adverse childhood experiences, solutions can be implemented to reduce those effects. The past few decades of scientific investigation support both the impact of trauma and ability to lessen its effects. Trauma informed care is not a movement, a buzz-word, or a fad but should been seen as an important public health strategy. Regardless of how large or small you feel your role in the community is, YOU can begin to raise awareness.

Regardless of how large or small you feel your role in the community is, YOU can begin to raise awareness.

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