Trauma-Informed School Practices

Schools are sanctuaries, and function as a place of refuge from danger, threat, injury or fear.

A trauma-informed school is one where staff understand the function of trauma-induced behaviors (self-injury, rage, compulsions, etc.), and do not mistake them as intentional or provocative. Staff use objective, neutral language, as opposed to language that labels (i.e. anxious instead of manipulative). Schools that follow trauma-informed practices recognize what practices can be re-traumatizing to a student. Power and control issues are minimized, and the environment is focused on creating a culture of care and safety with an individualized approach.