Where are you and your organization?
A trauma-informed approach requires intentionality in how we engage with others. Consider these questions to reflect on how you and your organization embody the six principles of a trauma-informed approach.
Safety
Do you and your organization create environments - both physical and emotional - where individuals feel secure, respected, and free from harm?
Peer Support
Do you foster opportunities for connection, shared experiences, and mutual encouragement among those you serve and within your organization?
Collaboration and Mutuality
Do you encourage meaningful input and foster relationships as the foundation for shared growth and mutual accountability?
Trust and
Transparency
Do you explain decisions, timelines, and processes clearly and consistently and following through on what was promised to build trust over time?
Empowerment, Voice and Choice
Do you recognize and uplift the strengths of individuals, ensuring they have autonomy and a sense of control over their own decisions?
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Awareness
Do you acknowledge and address systemic inequities, ensuring your practices are inclusive, responsive, and culturally informed?
Trauma-Informed Organizational Development
A Staged Approach to Becoming Trauma-Informed
Becoming trauma-informed is not an event. It doesn't happen quickly. It’s a developmental process. Individuals, teams, and organizations progress over time as they deepen their understanding of trauma, adjust how they work, and build systems that promote safety, trust, and resilience.
At The Pace Institute, we meet you where you are. Our services are aligned with four nationally recognized developmental levels of trauma-informed practice, adapted from the Delaware Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed Care. Whether you're just beginning or ready to lead with trauma-informed values, we offer training, coaching, and consultation to support every step of your journey.
This level emphasizes building core knowledge and beginning to shift attitudes. Teams are introduced to the effects of trauma on brain function, behavior, and relationships. Staff and leadership gain a shared language and begin exploring the foundational principles of trauma-informed care.
At this level, individuals begin to apply a trauma lens to daily work and interactions. Organizations start to examine their environment and practices, preparing for broader systems change. Training shifts from awareness to practical, trauma-sensitive strategies.
This level focuses on integrating trauma-informed values into organizational systems, policies, and supervision structures. Staff behavior shifts are supported by leadership practices, workflow changes, and policy alignment. This involves a review and revision of policies and procedures through a trauma lens, supervisor coaching in reflective practice and staff wellbeing, and the development of strategic implementation plans for trauma-informed growth.
At this advanced level, trauma-informed care is fully embedded into the organization’s culture, leadership, and partnerships. Staff embody trauma-informed values, and the organization sustains its efforts through evaluation, cross-sector collaboration, and continuous learning.
Why is it important to
become trauma-informed?
Build Trust and Psychological Safety
Creating environments where people feel secure fosters stronger relationships and engagement.
Reduce Harm and Prevent Re-Traumatization
A trauma-informed approach helps to mitigate and skillfully respond to trauma as well as promotes overall well-being.
Improve Communication and Support
Understanding trauma enhances positive interactions, leading to more effective care and collaboration.
Strengthen Teams and Prevent Burnout
Organizations that have trauma informed systems create healthier, more resilient staff cultures where people thrive.
Promote Inclusive Practices
Recognizing how culture, identity, and systemic inequities shape trauma helps create environments that are responsive.
Step One
Initial Consultation
Step Two
Proposal Outlining
Step Three
Sign Agreement
Step Four
Service Delivered
