Trauma-Informed Practice is an approach that acknowledges:

• that anyone may have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• that individuals with a history of trauma may be less likely to engage with others
• the significance of relationships in preventing and recovering from the impacts of trauma and ACEs.

Trauma-Informed Principles

1. Empathy
2. Safety and connection
3. Trust
4. Choice
5. Relationships and belonging
6. Education
7. Empowerment
8. Cultural Consideration

Ten Top Tips to Be Trauma-informed

1 Educate all staff:

Learn about trauma, its various types, and the effects it can have on individuals. Understand the potential triggers of trauma and the significance of attachment.

2 Recognise signs of Trauma:

Be mindful of symptoms like hypervigilance, anxiety, withdrawal, and emotional dysregulation. Understand that trauma responses vary between individuals and may not always be obvious.

3 Create a Safe, Physical, Predictable and consistent Environment:

Understand individual triggers for children and make adjustments to minimise these triggers, ensuring a welcoming and consistent space.

4 Empathy and Respect are essential

Develop your ability to understand and connect with individuals affected by trauma. Treat them and their families with dignity, respect, and empathy to validate their experiences and emotions.

5 Self-care

Regular self-reflection, supervision, and ongoing self-care are essential. This practice enhances your ability to build healing relationships with children affected by trauma, attune to their needs, understand trauma responses, and strengthen your resilience.

6 Active Listening

Show genuine interest in the child by fully attending to their verbal and nonverbal cues, responding sensitively, and remembering what they share. This practice builds trust and connection, fostering a safe environment.

7 Use Trauma-Informed Language

Choose words that create a safe, supportive environment and aid healing. Avoid triggering or re-traumatizing language. Emphasise empowerment by using non-judgmental terms, such as "a person who has experienced trauma" instead of "trauma victim." Use empathetic phrases like, "It sounds like you are in a difficult place right now. Tell me more about it."

8 Offer Choice and autonomy

Recognise and nurture the strengths, capabilities, and talents of individuals who have experienced trauma. Empower them to achieve by offering choices and supporting them in making their own decisions and setting their own goals.

9 Collaborate with others

Utilise peer support and mutual self-help for healing and recovery. Actively work with the child, internal and external professionals to identify needs and actively promote changes. Involve the child and their family in delivering support and services.

10 Continue to be professionally curious

Ask questions about potential traumatic events to understand the child's needs. This helps you provide the right support without being intrusive.