Specifically, a trauma-informed school promotes a safe and welcoming climate; seeks to create a structured and predictable learning environment that minimizes unnecessary trauma and loss reminders; focuses on building positive and attuned relationships between teachers and students, and among school staff; has anti-bullying and suicide prevention programs; and uses a balanced restorative justice (a.k.a. restorative practices) approach to conflict and conflict mediation with appropriate disciplinary action.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2017
Ultimately, a trauma-informed environment is an integral component of a healthy school climate:
- It requires the inclusion of all key stakeholders—administrators, educators, students, their families, and the community.
- It protects staff from vicarious trauma by making sure a coordinated approach is in place for both prevention and intervention.
- It helps schools to better collaborate with other agencies such as primary health care providers, mental health agencies, child welfare, and law enforcement.
Trauma-informed schools incorporate policy, procedure, and curriculum into a holistic approach that supports every student’s potential.
