A treatment framework that acknowledges the long-term effect of trauma on human behavior and development, viewing a person’s coping mechanisms as rational responses to adverse situations rather than pathological acts of deviance requiring corrective intervention. Trauma-informed care may consist of:
- Treatment plans that approach people who have experienced trauma with empathy and support rather than judgment
- Policies and treatment emphasizing harm reduction, empowerment, safety, and peer support
- Initiatives that actively avoid re-traumatizing people