For DYCD Providers Only: Using a Trauma Lens in Workforce Development

Trauma refers to experiences or enduring conditions that take away our sense of safety or control-- and nearly half of all children in the U.S. have experienced trauma including abuse, neglect, separation from loved ones, poverty, and community violence (Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health). Using a "trauma lens" means understanding that that both trauma and survival continue to impact our brains and bodies long after the actual events or circumstances have passed. There is incredible potential for staff in workforce development programs to create healing spaces and relationships-- but this is much easier said than done when the staff's role involves working on accountability, responsibility, and limit-setting with program participants. Join us for this interactive workshop especially designed for workforce professionals, where you will gain a framework for understanding trauma and its impact on survivors and on helpers, and leave with strategies for bringing a trauma lens to your program.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define trauma, vicarious trauma, and resilience;
• Understanding the widespread impact of trauma in society;
• Apply a trauma lens to unique challenges and opportunities in workforce development programs;
• Utilize promising practices in trauma-informed programming for participants and for staff; and
• Create an action plan for self-care.