Trauma-Informed Care
Violence, abuse, neglect, natural disasters, war, and other emotionally destructive experiences create trauma that knows no boundaries with regard to age, race, ethnicity, economics, gender, geography or sexual orientation. Trauma affects us all, directly or indirectly, and can be devastating. (Source: National Center for Trauma-Informed Care brochure)
The Ohio Department of Mental Health recognizes the destructive consequences that trauma creates for people, their families and society, and is committed to supporting the implementation of trauma-informed services in Ohio. When a program takes the step to become trauma-informed, every part of its organization, management, and service delivery system is assessed and potentially modified to include a basic understanding of how trauma impacts the life of an individual seeking services. Trauma survivors often have a history of multiple trauma-inducing experiences, and in addition to mental health issues, they may deal with health problems, substance abuse, eating disorders, HIV/AIDS issues, and contact with the criminal justice system. Trauma-informed organizations, programs, and services are based on an understanding of the vulnerabilities or triggers of trauma survivors that traditional service delivery approaches may make worse, so that these services and programs can be more supportive and avoid re-traumatization. (Source: National Center for Trauma-Informed Care Web site)