Implementing Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-Informed Care: A Best Practice

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has designated Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) as a best practice. TIC is not just about making changes; it fosters a transformation at multiple levels within an organization. This system-wide approach, grounded in a scientific understanding of trauma, enhances the safety of service relationships for both clients and staff in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities and all mental health settings.

Facilitating Trauma-Informed Culture Change in Recovery-Oriented Systems: A Consultant's Guide

This easy to use and adaptable guide is designed to guide TTC consultants through the Trauma-Informed Care implementation process

Implementing trauma-informed care is a multi-year process that often benefits from external facilitation and consultation. The goals of this multi-level transformation within an SUD treatment context are to create a culture that recognizes:

DOWNLOAD

The widespread prevalence of traumatic events on individuals, families, communities, and nations
The impact, signs, and symptoms of trauma
The need for integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices
The importance of actively resisting re-traumatization

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)Technical Assistance and Support

Mid-America ATTC, in partnership with University Health’s Center for Trauma-Informed Innovation, is committed to providing SUD treatment and recovery-oriented organizations and providers with the technical assistance they need to create more trauma-informed cultures.

Andrea Dalton

For questions or more information about TIC support, please contact Andrea Dalton at [email protected]

TIC Resources

Testimonials

Sarah Knopf-Amelung, Director of Resource and Program Development at Amethyst Place

Our work with Andrea and Kreasha has been transformative. Not only do we have these great products and policy changes -- we also have the less tangible yet even more pivotal changes to our organizational culture. Infusing trauma-informed principles into all facets of what we do individually and together has been a paradigm shift. It came at a perfect time as we were navigating unprecedented challenges in society at the start of the pandemic and racial inequities highlighted by the murder of George Floyd. Thankfully, we had their support and tools to help us navigate these challenges in a way that supported our own well-being so we could in turn support our residents. We are so excited to see what further transformations happen in the next chapter of our collaborations together.

Susan Woodford, Executive Director at First Resources Corp

Trauma informed Care in our agency has been a huge transformation towards wellness and employee support! We have implemented our strategic plan over the past few years with continued success. We have incorporated training of TIC into our orientation of new employees and mindfulness activities at every meeting, gathering, and huddle. We also provide "Compassion Without Fatigue" training on a quarterly basis, and this has become a favorite of our staff! This has increased our productivity and allowed us to better focus on the important work we do everyday. This implementation could not have been so successful without the support of our coaches and trainers! Thank you for being a part of our positive change at First Resources Corp!