Trauma-Informed Care
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT
What is TIC?
Trauma Informed Care is an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Trauma Informed Care also emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety for both consumers and providers, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.
Understanding ACES
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events, including abuse and neglect. They may also include household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with family members who have substance use disorders.
ACEs include: Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, intimate partner violence, mother treated violently, substance misuse within household, household mental illness, parental separation or divorce, incarcerated household member. Learn more about ACEs here.
Becoming Informed
Becoming “trauma-informed” means recognizing that people often have many different types of trauma in their lives. People who have been traumatized need support and understanding from those around them. Often, trauma survivors can be re-traumatized by well-meaning caregivers and community service providers.
The Impact
No one is immune to the impact of trauma. Trauma affects the individual, families, and communities involved by disrupting healthy development and adversely affecting relationships. The toxic stress caused by trauma can produce lifelong and generational risks. According to The CDC-Kasier ACE study, adults with an ACE score of 4 or more were at significantly greater risk for many behavioral, physical, and mental health issues later in life.
Trauma Informed Resources
SAMHSA
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration
ACES
ACEs Connection
Heal Trauma & Build Resilience
NCTSN
The National Child
Traumatic Stress Network