Trauma Informed Approach (TIA)

 

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A tra​u​ma-informed approach (TIA) defines the way that an organization delivers its services. It is an approach that focuses on the strengths (not the problems) of those served. An organization that uses TIA has the following characteristics:

• It is ​ground​ed in an understanding of trauma and is responsive to the impact of trauma on people's lives.
  
• It emphasizes physical, p​sychological, and emotional SAFETY for their staff and those served. Both the staff who provide services, and people engage with those services must feel safe.
  
• Finally, it creates opportunities for survivors of trauma to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.​​​​​​​ ​

Implementation

Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach requires a commitment from the center, education for staff, and ongoing work to shift the policies and practices in a new direction.

Available Tool​:​

• Job Corps Trauma-Informed Approach (TIA) Infographic
  

Training

All staff will need an introductory training to TIA, and creating a trauma-informed culture on campus also requires ongoing staff development.

There are many training resources both within Job Corps and the community to keep this initiative front and center:

​ Supplemental/Ongoing Training Resources

• TIA and Resilience Webinars
• TIA Activities for Centers
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) — Training imparts the skills to reach out and provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis. In addition, the training includes content related to trauma and self-care.
• ​The Mental Health First Aid T​raining Resources document may be helpful in identifying a community partner in your state that offers free or low-cost MHFA training.​