Trauma Informed Practices

Building Trauma Informed Organizations in Snohomish County CARE_logo_FINAL_COLOR

Trauma Informed Care is a strengths-based framework that is grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma…that emphasizes relationships, being curious, non-judgmental, and creates space for physical, psychological, and emotional safety for all. This paradigm shift builds and allows for opportunities to rebuild and keep a sense of empowerment and resiliency.


Snohomish County Human Services Behavioral Health and Snohomish County Children’s Wellness Coalition are training, providing tools, and supporting organizations who want to become trauma informed. Our C.A.R.E. community movement, which stands for Compassion, Appreciation, Resilience & Empowerment, equips organizations to become trauma informed. What this means is that organizations commit to train their entire staff on trauma informed principles (safety, empowerment and choice, cultural, historical and gender issues, transparency and trustworthiness, collaboration and mutuality, and peer support) and work towards sustainable policy and procedure changes and a culture that deepens relationships and embeds these principles.


Safety building relationships with others based on mutual respect and inclusion of all is critical for a thriving community.


If you are interested in learning more about our next CARE Train the Trainer training or about becoming a CARE organization please contact https://snocochildrenswellnesscoalition.com/.


To see what organizations and schools are involved please check out the online interactive map.


For information on the Spring 2023 Cohort 5 Trauma-Informed CARE Designated Train the Trainer Training, please see the documents below:

CARE Process

CARE Overview

Agreement for Snohomish County CARE Training

Application for CARE Designated Site

2023 CARE Training Brochure

Standards of Practice for Trauma-Informed CARE Organizations

Sample SOP Report

Trauma-Informed Leadership Team (TILT)

Building Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools 

Beginning in 2017, Snohomish County Human Services Behavioral Health partnered with Continua Consulting Group LLC and Snohomish County public school districts to begin the work to build effective and sustainable trauma-informed practices and systems within schools and districts to support all Snohomish County students and families. 


The goals of implementing trauma-informed practices (TIP) in individual school and District settings include, but are not limited to, the following: decreased exclusionary discipline; decreased absenteeism; increased graduation rates; increased teaching time; increased student sense of belonging and self-competency; and increased staff knowledge and skills to manage behaviors and create meaningful relationships with all students. Trauma-informed practice implementation is a universal intervention, and best-practices apply to all students, not just those with known trauma. 


The consultant works directly with school and District leadership to develop and deliver effective staff development opportunities (including training, observation, and consultation) to implement a Trauma-Informed Multi-Tiered Systems of Support structure within the school and District. Schools and Districts receive training on ACEs, toxic stress, culturally responsive teaching, effective intervention strategies (ranging from universal strategies for all students to specific intervention strategies for smaller groups and individuals), and more. Schools and Districts commit to engaging in this work for a minimum of two years to build a sustainable structure for lasting impact. Schools and Districts are also supported in making data-driven decisions and implementing social emotional learning (SEL) curricula with fidelity. 

T-MTSSTriangle
Tier1 Wheel

2022-2023 School Year Opportunity - Apply Now!


Snohomish County Human Services Behavioral Health is pleased to invite Districts and schools to apply for new or continuing consultation services to build trauma-informed practices in schools.


Applications are now online! Due by May 27, 2022 at 5pm. 


Application for *NEW* Districts

(use this link if your District does not currently partner in this work)


Application for *CONTINUING* Districts & Schools

(use this link if your District currently partners with Snohomish County & Continua Consulting Group)


Infographic link (full resolution)

TIP Infographic final