Issues, challenges and opportunities for trauma-informed practice
In our November 2023 Academic Insights paper, Dr Sarah Senker, Dr Anne Eason, Dr Chris Pawson and Professor Kieran McCartan highlight some of the key issues, challenges and opportunities for trauma-informed practices. Ten critical questions are presented, including whether we know how to identify good trauma-informed work and measure positive outcomes, whether the criminal justice system and settings are conducive to trauma-informed approaches, and whether the wider community is supportive of these efforts and approaches.
As is set out, trauma-informed work requires organisational support and leadership buy-in, promoting an environment that is supportive of the care and compassion required to deliver and sustain the therapeutic nature of the practice. In terms of the wider discourse, a considered and evidence-based approach is required which frames the conversation in an accessible, nuanced and non-emotive way, recognising that addressing past trauma can help to reduce reoffending and protect the public. Such conversations would be helped through further strengthening of the evidence base, with practice continually refined in line with the most recent and robust evidence.
"The work required to achieve a trauma-informed, or trauma-responsive, benchmark should not be underestimated. Good trauma-informed work is top-down, with strategic and operational buy-in that transcends all facets of an organisation and is embedded in its tapestry."
The paper can be accessed via the link below.
Consultant and Trainer, Criminal and Social Justice
1ySadly, #traumainformed is becoming a #tickbox issue for many organisations. For effective outcomes people need to understand how to be #traumaresponsive and organisations build in ways to monitor the effectiveness of this approach. MAGISTRA interventions apply #restorativepractice with trauma responsive approaches which creates a #SafeSpace for individuals to progress.