Services
Organizational Assessment of Trauma-Informed Practice
Organizational Assessment of Trauma-Informed Practice
Organizational Assessment of Trauma-Informed Practice
Systems change is complex and works best when guided by a well-crafted plan. Our consultation begins with a baseline organizational assessment that includes the following components: (1) staff survey to assess your system’s current strengths and weakness in providing trauma-informed care, (2) review of relevant program policies/data/program materials, and (3) (optional) focus groups with a sample of front-line staff and youth. We will analyze the data and provide a written report that summarizes findings and recommends next steps for implementing trauma-informed care.
Staff Training
Organizational Assessment of Trauma-Informed Practice
Organizational Assessment of Trauma-Informed Practice
Too many trauma-informed care trainings are "Trauma 101" and provide little in the way of specific strategies or practical skills. Topics covered in this training include: (1) recognizing the signs that a youth has been "triggered" (i.e., fight-or-flight mode), (2) identifying triggers, (3) trauma-informed de-escalation skills, and (4) skills for managing work-related stress/trauma responses. Training is offered to employees from all levels of the hierarchy and tailored by profession and type of agency. An initial in-person workshop is supplemented with ongoing consultation to help staff practice and master these skills.
Addressing Staff Trauma & Wellness
Organizational Assessment of Trauma-Informed Practice
Addressing Staff Trauma & Wellness
Front-line professionals in juvenile justice are routinely exposed to trauma in the workplace. This includes violence and vicarious or secondary exposure to the details of traumatic events experienced by youth or coworkers. Research reveals that front-line staff experience rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) equivalent to those of military veterans and incarcerated youth. PTSD is linked to impaired job performance, absenteeism, staff turnover, and poor health. We provide consultation on developing organization-wide practices to prevent PTSD and help staff cope with traumatic events in the workplace. The menu of options includes:
- Training on work-related traumatic stress
- Protocol for debriefing staff following a workplace crisis
- Peer Support – examples include new employee-veteran peer mentorship opportunities, employee-led peer support groups, and a crisis hotline staffed by peers
- Supervisor Training – develop a training curriculum on trauma-informed supervision (i.e., providing support around work-related stress/trauma, promoting employee wellness)
- Opportunities for line-staff to voice concerns and/or share feedback for improving workplace safety and promoting staff wellness/retention (e.g., Town Hall meetings, anonymous staff surveys)
- Revising or developing policies to promote staff wellness