What is a Trauma-Informed Approach?Â
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A trauma-informed approach is a holistic framework for understanding, recognizing, and responding to trauma, integrated across systems of care.
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A trauma-informed approach in Kansas is crucial for enhancing the health and well-being of our most vulnerable populations. Trauma impacts individuals, families, and communities by hindering healthy development, straining relationships, and contributing to physical and mental health challenges such as chronic stress, grief, substance use, domestic violence, child abuse, and even loss of life.
How LCS Implements a Trauma-Informed Approach
At LCS, we are committed to fostering a trauma-informed environment that acknowledges the profound effects of trauma on individuals, including its connections to challenges such as mental health conditions, substance use, and housing instability. Our approach is grounded in the following principles:
1
Recognizing the Impact of Trauma:Â
We prioritize understanding the widespread impact of trauma and its role in shaping experiences. This awareness guides our interactions and ensures the use of trauma-informed language in all communications.
2
Empowering Guests Through Choice and Voice:Â
We provide guests with opportunities to make informed decisions by involving them in collaborative processes. Ongoing partnerships with community organizations and regular staff training enhance our capacity to support guests effectively.
3
Ensuring Transparency and Fairness
Our policies and rules are communicated clearly to ensure all guests feel informed, respected, and treated equitably. This includes regular meetings where program participants may freely discuss issues and concerns.
4
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment
We strive to maintain safety and inclusivity for all guests, recognizing and addressing the unique needs of vulnerable populations, such as those residing at LCS and in the Village.
5
Supporting Staff Well-Being
To mitigate the risk of secondary trauma among staff, we provide regular supervision, check-ins, and access to resources that prioritize their mental health and well-being.
6
Ongoing Training and Skill DevelopmentÂ
We invest in bi-weekly staff training to deepen understanding of trauma and its effects. This includes de-escalation techniques, Mental Health First Aid and other practical skills to better support individuals navigating the impacts of trauma.
Trauma-Informed is any program, organization, or system that:
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Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands the potential paths for recovery
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Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others in the system
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Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices
4
Seeks to resist re-traumatization actively
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How Can You Help?
LCS Partners with the KU Social Work Program and collaborates with the University of Kansas to provide BSW and MSW students in social work with hands-on learning opportunities under the guidance of an on-site field instructor. This partnership allows students to gain first-hand experience in the field while deepening their understanding of person-centered care.