While the term “trauma-informed” is relatively new, the concept shares historical roots with ISTSS. As described in detail by Sandy Bloom, ISTSS grew out of a broad social movement examining and responding to the roots of violence. From the beginning, this movement represented multiple interests and issues, including the development of effective treatments for PTSD (particularly among veterans), concern for victims’ rights, and programs to address domestic violence and child abuse. Over the years, the focus has shifted back and forth between research, intervention and policy concerns.
Adopting a “trauma-informed” framework focuses attention on what can be done at the policy level. In the past few years, as this framework has gained traction, there has been an upsurge of interest and action among both State and Federal policy makers. Significantly, these efforts are almost always interagency and cross-sector in design. Equally noteworthy, they build on a public health approach, addressing both individual and structural concerns and integrating public education, health promotion, treatment and prevention. This trend reflects an understanding that trauma affects every aspect of life, across the lifespan, and that single-focus or single-agency solutions will not be adequate.
[For more of this story, written by Andrea Blanch, PhD, Carol Boyer, MA, Mary Blake, CRE, go to http://sherwood-istss.informz....;ptid=0&ps=43597]
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