Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is an approach, based on knowledge of the impact of trauma, aimed at ensuring environments and services are welcoming and engaging for service recipients and staff.

Source: Trauma Informed Oregon

A program, organization, or system that is trauma informed:

Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understand potential paths for recover

Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system

Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization”

Source: Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA, 2012)

Trauma Informed Care is a commitment not to repeat these experiences and, in whatever way possible, to restore a sense of safety, power, and self-worth.

Six Principles of Trauma Informed Care

1. Safety

Throughout the organization, staff and the people they serve feel physically and psychologically safe.

2. Trustworthiness and transparency

Organizational operations and decisions are conducted with transparency and the goal of building and maintaining trust among staff, clients, and family members of those receiving services.

3. Peer support and mutual self-help

These are integral to the organizational and service delivery approach and are understood as a key vehicle for building trust, establishing safety, and empowerment.

4. Collaboration and mutuality

There is recognition that healing happens in relationships and in the meaningful sharing of power and decision-making. The organization recognizes that everyone has a role to play in a trauma-informed approach. One does not have to be a therapist to be therapeutic.

5. Empowerment voice, and choice

Organization aims to strengthen the staff, client, and family members’ experience of choice and recognizes that every person’s experience is unique and requires an individualized approach. This builds on what clients, staff, and communities have to offer, rather than responding to perceived deficits.

6. Cultural, historical, and gender issues

The organization actively moves past cultural stereotypes and biases , offers culturally responsive services, leverages the healing value of traditional cultural connections, and recognizes and addresses historical trauma.

Source: Trauma Informed Oregon, SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach, 2014