1-Day Trauma-Informed Care Course

Understand Trauma and Its Impact

• Define trauma, complex trauma, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
• Understand the different types of trauma (acute, chronic, developmental).
• Explore how trauma affects brain development, emotional regulation, and behaviour.
• Recognise the long-term impact of trauma on mental health, attachment, and relationships.

Recognise Trauma Responses in Children and Young People

• Identify behavioural, emotional, and physical signs of trauma.
• Understand the link between trauma and challenging or risk-taking behaviours.
• Recognise how trauma may influence trust, attachment, and communication styles.
• Explore case studies to identify trauma responses in different settings (education, care, youth work).

Apply Trauma-Informed Principles in Practice

• Understand the core principles of trauma-informed care:
  • Safety
  • Trustworthiness
  • Choice
  • Collaboration
  • Empowerment
• Adapt communication, routines, and interactions to promote emotional safety.
• Recognise and reduce triggers that may re-traumatise children or young people.
• Create consistent, nurturing environments that support stability and predictability.

Build Resilience and Promote Recovery

• Understand how to foster resilience and protective factors in young people.
• Support children in developing emotional literacy and self-regulation skills.
• Encourage strengths-based approaches that build confidence and autonomy.
• Promote positive, secure relationships as a foundation for healing.

Working with Families and Multi-Agency Partners

• Recognise the importance of collaboration between professionals and families.
• Understand how trauma-informed principles can support family reunification and stability.
• Share information effectively while maintaining confidentiality and consent.
• Build multi-agency partnerships that are coordinated, compassionate, and consistent.

Staff Wellbeing and Secondary Trauma

• Understand vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue among professionals.
• Learn self-care strategies to maintain emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Recognise when to seek supervision or peer support.
• Promote a culture of reflective practice and mutual support within teams.

Relevant Legislation and Guidance

• Children Act 1989 & 2004 – Duties to safeguard and promote welfare.
• The Care Act 2014 – Duty to promote wellbeing and prevent harm.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) – Inter-agency safeguarding responsibilities.
• NICE Guidelines (NG116) – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and trauma-informed treatment.
• Education Inspection Framework (Ofsted) – Emphasis on behaviour, wellbeing, and care culture.
• Human Rights Act 1998 – Respect for dignity, fairness, and freedom from degrading treatment.
• Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) – Managing and recording sensitive information appropriately.

Reflective and Defensible Practice

• Reflect on how personal values and experiences influence professional responses to trauma.
• Develop defensible practice that prioritises empathy, dignity, and safety.
• Maintain consistency and objectivity when managing emotionally charged situations.
• Embed trauma-informed culture into policies, supervision, and team practice.