Phase 2: Trauma Sensitive

This developmental phase builds on the awareness that trauma informed care is needed. Once the staff and leadership of an organization understand and can speak about the need for trauma informed care, they move into the trauma sensitive phase where they build knowledge and create readiness for change. The steps for this phase include Foundational Knowledge, Agency Readiness, and Process and Infrastructure.

Foundational Knowledge

In order to create a common language and a shared understanding, it’s important for all staff to have basic information about trauma and trauma informed care. Staff across all levels of the organization should be exposed to trauma related content through trainings, webinars, videos, or online modules.

Agency Readiness

Trauma informed care requires a commitment from agency leaders and staff. Individuals within the organization must believe trauma informed care is needed, appropriate and possible given the service setting and circumstances. Readiness, both in terms of psychological (attitudes, values, and beliefs) and structural factors (skills, knowledge, and infrastructure) is important to consider if trauma informed care is to be embraced and sustained.

Readiness can be created through education and training as well as implementation. Seeing trauma informed care in action can promote the beliefs and commitment needed.

Process and Infrastructure

Adopting trauma informed care in an agency takes time and requires commitment and dedication. Driven by a belief in this approach to service delivery, agency leaders and staff must create a process that supports ongoing efforts to integrate a trauma informed care perspective into the agency culture through policies and practice. Download a printable Spanish-language PDF of this section »