Creating Trauma-Informed Schools A Guide for School Social Workers and Educators

Children in all educational levels are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, bullying, violence in their homes and neighborhoods, and other traumatic life events; research shows that upwards of 70% of children in schools report experiencing at least one traumatic event before age 16. Though school social workers are on the front lines of service delivery through their work with children who face social and emotional struggles in the pursuit of education, there are scant resources to assist them in the creation of trauma-informed schools. This book presents an overview of the impact of trauma on children and adolescents, as well as interventions for direct practice and collaboration with teachers, families, and communities. Social work practitioners and students will learn distinct examples of how to implement the ten principles of trauma-informed services in their schools; provide students with trauma-informed care that is grounded in the principles of safety, connection, and emotional regulation; and develop beneficial skills for self-care in their work.

Eileen A. Dombo, PhD, LICSW, is Associate Professor in the National Catholic School of Social Service at the Catholic University of America. Christine Anlauf Sabatino, PhD, LICSW, C-SSWS, is Ordinary Professor and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Children, Youth, and Families in the National Catholic School of Social Service at the Catholic University of America.