Addressing Trauma in Schools

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of all young people have reported exposure to violence or abuse, and by the age of 16, more than two thirds will have experienced a potentially traumatic event. Trauma can cause adverse effects to the body and mind including difficulty focusing, sudden shifts in mood and behavior, and sleep disturbances. Addressing students with trauma requires a school-wide shift to trauma-informed practices. See below for some highlighted resources to support this endeavor.
National Resources
Addressing the Epidemic of Trauma in Schools
The National Council of State Education Associations (NCSEA) and the National Education Association (NEA) released this report that details the prevalence of trauma and ways for schools and educators can address the issue of trauma and its implications for learning, behavior, and school safety.
Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools
These training materials from the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments introduces all school staff to the concept of trauma sensitivity and provide examples of trauma-sensitive practices that can be adopted in the classroom and school-wide. Resources include an online module, downloadable handouts, and a facilitation guide that includes suggestions for how to conduct in-person training sessions using the module and handouts.
Creating, Supporting, and Sustaining Trauma-Informed Schools: A System Framework
This framework developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) will help schools and sites who partner with schools have a better sense of the areas to address when working towards a more trauma-informed school.
Grant Alerts
STOP School Violence | Bureau of Justice
Funding to support and assist county, local, territorial, and tribal jurisdictions to improve efforts to reduce violent crime in and around schools. Learn more.
Deadline: June 21, 2022
Social Media and Mental Wellbeing CoE | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Funding to develop risks and benefits of social media platforms pose to mental health and interventions that could address the risks. Learn more.
Deadline: July 18, 2022
Trauma-Informed Services in Schools | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Funding to develop initiatives, activities and programs to link school systems with local trauma-informed support and mental health systems. Learn more.
Deadline: July 25, 2022
Please note that CHHCS does not administer funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for additional direction and details.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
June 15, 2022 | 4:00-5:00pm ET
Hosted as part of the Social Emotional Learning Summit 2022
June 16, 2022 | 12:30-2:00pm ET
Hosted by the the CA Alliance, Catalyst Center, and CAADPE
June 16, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm ET
Hosted by the American School Counselor Association
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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