Strengthening Policies to Support Children, Youth and Families Who Experience Trauma

Summary

This working paper shares evidence-based practices and key policy recommendations aimed at building a true, trauma-informed system of care. It offers compelling data on trauma and spotlights successful trauma-sensitive programs in action. It also outlines critical service gaps in current efforts to support kids and families exposed to trauma.

This publication, produced in the aftermath of a forum organized by the National Center for Children in Poverty, is the second installment in a five-part series devoted to advancing trauma-informed services and policies in America.    

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary
• Foreword: Contributions from Trauma Survivors
• Introduction
• Section 1: Understanding Trauma and Its Effect
• Section 2: Inadequacies of Current Service and Policy Responses
• Section 3: Emerging Best Practices
• Section 4: Policies to Support Trauma-Informed Practice
• Section 5: Toward the Future: What Can Be Done?
• Endnotes
• Section 6: Case Studies
• Appendices

Key Takeaway

Wanted: Trauma-informed systems that promote growth, understanding and healing

Experts have identified five must-haves for creating a trauma-informed system of care. One requirement? Systematically review policies and procedures to identify and eliminate harmful, traumatizing and retraumatizing practices.