Trauma-Informed Approaches

​OHA advocates that all health care partners apply these four R’s throughout their organizations:

1. Realize how trauma affects the experiences and behaviors of the family, groups, organizations, communities and individuals.
2. Recognize the signs of trauma. These signs may be specific to gender, age, or setting.
3. Respond using language, behaviors and policies that respect children, adults, and staff members who have experienced traumatic events.
4. Resist re-traumatization. Stressful environments or specific practices can trigger painful memories. This interferes with recovery and well-being. Organizations must review and change practices as needed to avoid re-traumatization.

Organizations must apply a trauma informed approach using six key principles:

1. Safety: Everyone feels physically and psychologically safe. 
2. Trustworthiness and transparency: The organization builds and maintains trust with staff and clients.
3. Peer support: Is made available to help build a sense of safety, trust and empowerment.
4. Collaboration and mutuality: Everyone in the organization takes part in creating a trauma informed environment.
5. Empowerment, voice and choice: The approach reflects individual experiences/strengths.
6. Cultural, historical, and gender issues: The organization is culturally responsive, respects traditional cultural connection and recognizes historical trauma.