Policy Research’s How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses is a half-day training designed to equip criminal legal system professionals with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to trauma among individuals in contact with the criminal legal system. By fostering trauma-informed approaches, the training helps system professionals to enhance safety, reduce recidivism, and support recovery. Read on to learn how.

Why should professionals in the criminal legal system be trauma informed?

Trauma is a prevalent experience among individuals involved in the criminal legal system. Many have endured significant trauma, which can influence their behavior and interactions throughout life, an effect that may be pronounced in criminal legal system environments. Without an understanding of trauma’s impact, criminal legal system professionals may inadvertently worsen difficult situations, leading to increased risks and negative outcomes. This training addresses the need for awareness and appropriate responses to trauma within the criminal legal system.

How is the training structured, and what role do facilitators play?

The training is a 4-hour, interactive session divided into six modules:​

  • Why Learn About Trauma?
  • What Is Trauma?
  • Trauma’s Effects
  • Individual Differences
  • Trauma-Informed Responses
  • Trauma-Informed Systems​

Facilitators guide participants through these modules using discussions, case examples, and practical exercises. The goal is to help professionals understand trauma’s impact and develop strategies to respond effectively, improving the criminal-legal process for all involved.

Who benefits from attending this training?

The training is tailored for community-based criminal legal system professionals, including:

  • Community corrections officers (probation, parole, and pretrial services)
  • Jail and prison staff
  • Court personnel
  • Police and other law enforcement officers
  • Behavioral health and other human service providers who work in justice settings

By participating, these professionals gain insights into trauma’s effects and learn to implement trauma-informed approaches, leading to improved interactions and outcomes within the criminal legal system.

Are there other related trainings to help advance trauma-informed practices in the criminal legal system?

Yes, Policy Research offers two other trainings on this topic. One is designed to expand local capacity to provide the How Being Trauma Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses training, while the other supports court professionals in developing trauma awareness and trauma-informed responses.

  • How Being Trauma Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses Train-the-Trainer (TTT): This TTT program is a 2-day event designed to prepare experienced trainers to deliver the trauma-informed training within their communities. Participants receive instruction on the curriculum, facilitation techniques, and access to resources. By building local training capacity, agencies can sustain trauma-informed practices and tailor the training to their specific needs, fostering lasting, wide-spread change.
  • How Being Trauma Informed Improves Judicial Decision-Making: This 2-hour training program helps professionals who work in the court systems
    • increase their understanding of trauma,
    • enhance their awareness of the impact of trauma on behavior, and
    • develop trauma-informed responses.

How can I learn more about this training or bring it to my community?

Visit Policy Research’s Systems Mapping and Training Center website for more details. Interested organizations or communities can reach out directly via the SMTC website to initiate a local training or TTT for experienced trainers.

This blog post was developed with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence.