Trauma Informed Practices

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.