Trauma-informed Care

Trauma-informed care is a practice in which service providers and organizations are sensitive and understanding to the needs of trauma survivors, in order to avoid retraumatizing them. It involves understanding, anticipating, and recognizing the needs of individuals being treated; taking steps to protect their emotional, psychological, and physical safety; and giving individuals a sense of control. When an organization uses trauma-informed care in their approach to treatment, the goal is for individuals being served to feel respected, safe, and empowered. There are six guiding principles of trauma-informed care:

• Safety
• Trustworthiness and transparency
• Peer support and mutual self-help
• Collaboration and mutuality
• Empowerment, voice, and choice
• Cultural, historical, and gender issues