The Traumatic Stress Institute (TSI) is partnering with the Children’s Center of Hamden (TCCOH), which has been serving children and families for over 190 years in Hamden, Connecticut. With TSI’s Risking Connection Change Model (RCCM), TCCOH is building and sustaining a trauma-informed care (TIC) culture within its entire organization.
The Risking Connection Trauma Framework helps explain disruptions in childhood development that result from trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and the ways that survivors adapt to the harm they have experienced. TCCOH understands that supporting trauma healing involves the entire organization and recognizes that the health and wellbeing of their staff are central to the level of services provided to their clients and their families.
TCCOH integrates trauma-informed care practices throughout their organization, including the use of RICH® (Respect Information Connection Hope), a Risking Connection practice that can be applied throughout the organization, including in:
- client interactions
- supervision sessions
- staff meetings
- senior management agendas
- policy-level decision-making
This significant shift to incorporate trauma-informed care practices within agency-wide activities clearly demonstrates their commitment to supporting their staff and clients. Their work leads to stronger practical strategies to overcome common obstacles and enhanced delivery of services.
“Almost everyone wants to be RICH. Being RICH is to be plentiful, have an abundance of resources, and to have high value. The RICH model provides a variety of therapeutic skills and techniques for one wanting to be effective in building healthy relationships. As a supervisor, I was introduced to RICH and thought it was impressive. I see RICH as a system where all parties should fully commit. It’s one of those “just trust the process and watch it take its course overtime” type scenarios. The RICH model is like a set of important tools I keep in my backpack everywhere I go because it always comes in handy. I feel armored and believe that change in relationships starts when Respect, Information, Connection, and Hope are afforded and then reciprocated. We plan to utilize the RICH model by spreading awareness through training, staff meetings, and effective and consistent debriefing to everyone on the team. With the RICH model, we can build and reinforce a culture where all members are empowered to feel both competent and confident.”
- Leo James, Program Supervisor, Extended Day Treatment
This work comes with its unique challenges and enormous rewards. TSI is working alongside the Children’s Center of Hamden to serve as an implementation and coaching partner to address challenges and celebrate their successes.
