Using Trauma and Culture Lens with the Protective Factors Framework

Today’s Agenda Networking/Review of last session Being mindful of the impacts of trauma The key features of trauma-informed practice The influence of cultural context on trauma- informed practice Alignment between trauma-informed essential elements and protective factors Practical tips on trauma-informed practice Try it!

Networking Discussion Questions 1. Why are we focusing on trauma in this year’s wrap-around training sessions? 2. If a colleague missed the last session, what 2-3 key concepts would you share with her to bring her up to speed? 3. What “rang true” for you from the last presentation? 4. What questions or concerns do you have about what you heard in the previous session on trauma?

Being mindful of the impacts of trauma Signs of trauma – what to look for in: Individual adult clients Families/communities Infants, children and adolescents From: “Being mindful of the impacts of trauma” Guidelines for trauma-informed family sensitive practice in adult health services www.bouverie.org

Being mindful of the impacts of trauma UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS Presume that every person in a treatment setting has been exposed to abuse, violence, neglect or other traumatic experiences. [National Association Mental Health State Program Directors]

Being mindful of the impacts of trauma Reducing the impact of trauma requires working with at least 2 generations simultaneously The ACE Pyramid

Being mindful of the impacts of trauma Think about a client/family you are working with/have worked with. On the handout, check the signs of trauma you think you may see in this client, family/community. Does viewing this client through the “trauma lens” impact your thinking about this person/family? If so, how? With your discussion group: Describe your clients and what you see in their stories when you view them through the lens of trauma.

Key features of trauma-informed practice From: Lynne Marsenich, LCSW Key features of trauma-informed practice From: Lynne Marsenich, LCSW. (June 26, 2009). Trauma Informed Care. CIMH 1. Understand the whole person & how they live their life including the coping strategies they are currently using 2. Emphasize strengths, highlighting adaptation over symptoms & resilience over pathology 3. Strive for collaboration and genuine partnership between consumer and provider 4. Be aware of practices that may re-traumatize 5. Identify recovery from trauma as the PRIMARY goal 6. Strive for cultural humility and to understand each person in the context of their life experiences & cultural background 7. Solicit consumer & family input in the design and evaluation of services 8. Create an atmosphere that is respectful of survivors’ need for safety, respect and acceptance

Key features of trauma-informed practice DIRECTIONS:   On your handout, circle the 3 features you think are most important. Be able to explain why you selected the 3 you chose. Compare your selections to those of the rest of your discussion group and discuss each person’s reasons for their selections

Cultural Humility in Practice Be aware of your own life filter Let go of being the “expert” Expand the idea of culture beyond race and ethnicity Anchor family services in the context of culture

Recognize the Complexity Ask Questions Distinguish perspectives Ten Strategies For Effective Cross-Cultural Communication Think Twice Build Self-Awareness Be Flexible Recognize the Complexity Be Honest Avoid Stereotyping Listen Actively Respect Differences From: Trauma Learning Collaborative of SMC Change Agents, Understanding the Effects of Trauma, Conference presentation.

From: An Innovative Strategy Using a Cultural and Trauma Lens with the Protective Factors Framework Webinar, August 22, 2013, Child Welfare League of America, FRIENDS NRC, Florida Department of Children and Families

Trauma-Informed Practice Protective Factors Effective framework for helping families engage in services & parent their children

Tips on Trauma-Informed Practice From: Being Mindful of the impacts of trauma, Guidelines for trauma-informed family sensitive practice in adult health services www.bouverie.org Aim to create an environment that is safe and empowering – be respectful, open and transparent with clients Aim to create an environment where parents feel comfortable to discuss their children’s needs and any difficulties they may be having in their parenting role. Use your existing knowledge, skills and strategies, such as acknowledging and validating people’s experiences, building safety and monitoring people’s distress levels. Attend to cultural safety and demonstrate cultural awareness/sensitivity. Collaborate with the client about all decisions made about them. Hold the family in mind – consider family involvement when appropriate and in consultation with the client

Tips on Trauma-Informed Practice Provide information about the possible effects of trauma on the individual, their family (including children), their relationships and their community It may be harmful to delve deeply into details of traumatic experiences unless you have the skills to manage client reactions. Consider whether secondary consultation may be needed. Aim to safely talk about the impacts of trauma without asking about the details of traumatic events. If the client wants to talk about the details of trauma, this should be supported but check regularly to assess levels of distress and go at their pace. Using a simple breathing technique may be helpful to manage distress – e.g., breathing in slowly to the count of 5, breathing out slowly to the count of 10. Facilitate referral to specialist services if required.

Tips on Trauma-Informed Practice Useful questions About the individual About the family About the infant, child or adolescent   What has happened in your life that has contributed to your current difficulties? What do I need to know (about that) for me to help you? What’s been the impact on you? How do you cope and what have you found helpful? Who else in your family knows about your current difficulties? Whether family members know or not you could ask: What is the impact on them? How do they react? How does their reaction affect you? How are family and community relationships affected? What do you think your children know? What are your children most worried about? How do you know? What are your worries about your children? What do you do that helps your children cope? What or who else could help them?

Trauma-informed practice: Try it! Think back over what you heard today. Select at least 2 new strategies you are willing to try. Write them on “Light bulb” handout & post it somewhere you will see it often. Do it!

Additional Resources National Center for Trauma Informed Care Website: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/nctic/ National Child traumatic Stress Network Website: http://www.NCTSNnet.org Child Trauma Institute Website: http://www.childtrauma.com/ Federation of Families Website: http://www.ffcmh.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness Website: http://www.nami.org/ TODAY’S POWERPOINT: www.pcadelaware.org Home visitor training General Information

Next session Review of Protective Factors Protective Factor 1: Concrete support for parents Protective Factor 2: Knowledge of parenting and child development Delaware Stars – Quality Rating and Improvement System for DE Early Childhood Programs