At Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Homes (KyUMH), we believe every person has a story. Sometimes, we can see the difficult experiences someone has been through. Other times, we cannot.
A child who struggles to trust adults may have learned that people cannot be relied upon. A teenager who becomes angry quickly may be responding to a world that has not always felt safe. A parent who seems overwhelmed may be carrying burdens we know nothing about.
This is why KyUMH uses a trauma-informed approach in the way we care for children, youth and families. Trauma-informed care means understanding how trauma can affect a person's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships and sense of safety, and using that understanding to shape how we respond.
It asks us to look beyond the question, “What's wrong with you?” and instead consider, “What happened to you, and what might you need right now?”
Trauma-informed care isn't only for therapists, social workers or other professionals. These six principles can help all of us build more compassionate relationships and communities.
- Safety
- Trust & Transparency
- Peer Support
- Collaboration
- Empowerment, Voice & Choice
- Humility & Responsiveness
What does being a safe space look like?
Safety is the foundation of trauma-informed care. For someone who has experienced trauma, feeling physically or emotionally safe may not come naturally.
We can create safety by being consistent, respectful and aware of how our words and actions affect others. This can be as simple as explaining what is going to happen, respecting someone's personal space, keeping our promises or creating an environment where people know they will not be judged for sharing how they feel.
Be someone others can feel safe around. Listen without immediately criticizing, yelling or dismissing their feelings.
Why is Trust and Transparency important?
Trust takes time, especially for someone whose trust has been broken.
Trauma-informed care emphasizes being honest, clear and dependable. We should communicate what we are doing and why, follow through on our commitments and admit when we make mistakes.
Say what you mean and do what you say. If plans change, communicate that. If you make a mistake, own it. Small acts of consistency can make a big difference in someone's ability to trust.
How does Peer Support help people heal from trauma?
Healing does not have to happen alone. Connection with people who understand our experiences can help us feel less isolated and remind us that we are not alone.
Peer support recognizes the value of relationships and shared experiences. At KyUMH, we understand that meaningful connections can help young people develop hope, resilience and a sense of belonging.
Look for opportunities to make people feel included. Invite someone into the conversation. Check in with a friend. Sit with someone who seems alone. Sometimes, simply knowing someone cares can change a person's day.
Why is Collaboration a key principle to Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care recognizes that people are experts in their own lives. Instead of making decisions for someone, we work with them.
For children and youth especially, giving them appropriate choices and opportunities to have a voice can help restore a sense of control and independence.
Ask instead of assuming. Give people choices when you can. Invite their ideas and opinions. Whether you're working with a coworker, parenting a child or supporting a friend, remember that relationships work best when everyone has a voice.
How does Empowerment, Voice and Choice suport trauma recovery?
Trauma can make people feel powerless. Trauma-informed care seeks to restore a person's sense of agency by recognizing their strengths, encouraging their voice and providing meaningful choices.
For young people, this might mean celebrating their accomplishments, allowing them to make age-appropriate decisions or reminding them that their opinions matter.
Look for strengths before shortcomings. Encourage people. Celebrate progress, even when it seems small. Instead of always telling someone what they should do, ask, “What do you think would help?”
What does Humility & Responsiveness look like for us?
Trauma-informed care requires us to recognize that we don't have all the answers. Humility means being willing to listen, learn and recognize that each person's experiences and needs are different. Responsiveness means taking what we learn seriously and adapting how we interact and provide support.
This principle reminds us to examine our own assumptions and biases. We may have good intentions, but good intentions alone don't guarantee that someone will feel understood, respected or supported. Being trauma-informed means staying curious, asking questions and being willing to change our approach when something isn't working.
Listen more than you assume. Be open when someone tells you that your words or actions hurt them. Ask, “What would help you feel supported?” instead of deciding what someone needs for them. We don't have to understand someone's entire story to respect their experience.
How can I be more Trauma-Informed?
You don't have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Start by being a safe space. Be transparent. Be inclusive. Work through collaboration. Allow others to use their voice. Remember to listen.
Because we may never know what someone is carrying. But we can choose to be the person who makes their day a little more hopeful.
