What exactly does “new normal” mean? It is an expression that has become mainstream vernacular since the COVID-19 pandemic. But in the field of trauma response and recovery, it is a term that has long been used to provide hope for survivors.

White People Need to Own Our Discomfort

For those of us who are white, the role we find ourselves occupying is that of white supremacy. In her book, What Does It Mean To Be White?, Robin DiAngelo describes white supremacy as:

Day-to-day life was altered so swiftly and thoroughly as a result of COVID-19—a collective whiplash. As a result, many may feel frustrated, lonely, or are mourning the way things changed and the normal activities we are now unable to do. We may be saddened by losing loved ones or by being unable to visit them. But we may also be finding some sources of joy or re-calibration within this time.

Supporting Trauma-Informed Transformation in Settings Serving First Nation Communities

Beginning in 2010, the Traumatic Stress Institute began supporting the Yukon Territory (Canada) child welfare system to make the transition to trauma-informed care (TIC).

New federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes critical funding for advancing trauma-informed care services in tribal communities.

We are all under noticeably increased stress in this time of the COVID-19 virus changing our lives. We have many things to attend to, from the practical to the personal to the emotional. Our organizations are confronting immediate and longer term challenges from closed programs, potential layoffs, and financial uncertainty.

Delivering trauma-informed care (TIC) is challenging. Measuring TIC is even more difficult. More and more school systems, human service agencies, juvenile justice programs, behavioral health organizations and others are moving to become more trauma-informed - and struggling to measure the impact of their efforts. That’s why the Traumatic Stress Institute (TSI) developed the Online ARTIC.

Looking to begin your program's transformation to trauma-informed care but don't know where to start? Or don't have the funding to invest in a whole-system change initiative right now? Here are some suggestions:

Despite the COVID-19 crisis, school systems, human service agencies, behavioral health programs, medical institutions, foster care agencies, juvenile justice programs, and many others are working to sustain trauma-informed care--now more than ever.

Are you wondering what a trauma-informed care initiative could do for your agency? Trauma-informed care has become a catch phrase of sorts, but what does it really mean? Here's a brief overview of what the change process looks like and what it could feel like for your staff.