There are 6 main principles of trauma informed practice. How can we apply these to schools?

Safety

How we make our young people feel safe is a very unique challenge for schools. Understanding a young person and their frame of reference is the first step in trauma informed practice. To understand a young person is to understand what makes them feel safe. Safety signals can be sent by the adult, but they might not always be received by a young person. Safety comes in many forms – from threats, from re-traumatization, from toxic stress, from emotional harm…

Trustworthiness

It’s vital young people view their key adults as trustworthy. Trust is earned and should not be expected to be there straight away simply due to the position an adult holds within a school. To gain trust can be a powerful intervention for a young person – the adult has earned the right to challenge where challenge is needed for the young person knows the intentions of the adult are good. Transparency, clear communication, reliability and authenticity are also vital. Sometimes we need to go above and beyond to establish the narrative about how and why we support a young person and make sure everyone lives and breathes it.

Choice

Choice shows we value the young person as a person. We can give control where it is safe to do so. Loss of control can often be a significant trigger for some young people, so demonstrating the ability to share power can be something that serves to sooth. Communication is again key in trauma informed practice.

Collaboration

Planning for a young person should involve a young person. Their views are vital in bringing about real change and having them engaged and in agreement with the plan. Without this, we are doing to instead of with. Co-producing is much better.

Empowerment

The power to make real decisions and influence real change is also key. Regular student voice that is acted upon and specific changes that are made when working with an individual who has requested something can show their views matter, they count and they can make a difference.

Cultural Consideration

Knowing an individual, their history and their frame of reference as well as their cultural and identity needs is the only way to connect with them, keep them feeling safe, understood and cared for. Inclusivity and curiosity is at the heart of this. Supporting each person as an individual rather than a stereotype or an amalgamation of similar circumstances is the route to really making a change. Sometimes finding a setting that can meet their individual needs can help them to be themselves.