Topics: Trauma-informed Care

Young people and families from vulnerable backgrounds often live in violent neighborhoods and have histories of abuse and neglect. These experiences cause trauma that can lead to mental and physical health conditions, substance abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system. To better understand and support victims of trauma, programs that serve families and youth need to assess and potentially modify every aspect of their organization to include a basic understanding of how trauma affects the lives of individuals seeking services. That approach is called trauma-informed care.