Description
Using a "trauma lens" means understanding that trauma continues to impact our brains and bodies long after the actual events or circumstances have passed. Trauma affects workforce development program participants and staff alike. Left unaddressed, it can lead to negative behaviors, exhaustion, and ultimately undermine our ability to create successful pathways to employment. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 1) Define trauma, vicarious trauma, and resilience 2) Apply a trauma lens to unique challenges and opportunities in workforce development programs 3) Utilize promising practices in trauma-informed programming for participants and staff 4) Create an action plan for self-care 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). There is incredible potential for staff in workforce development programs to create healing spaces and relationships -- but easier said than done when working on accountability, responsibility, and limit-setting with program participants.
