Trauma Informed Care

The philosophical foundation, key assumptions, and principles that comprise the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) trauma-informed care approach aligns with those of other leading behavioral health and health care organizations. However, there is no consensus on a single definition of “trauma-informed care.” This ambiguity has resulted in variations in how trauma-informed care is operationalized nationally and statewide and risks this designation having little or no meaning.

The Meadows Institute examined prevalence estimates, reviewed literature and national best practices, and talked with key informants in Texas to describe how the state’s major child serving agencies have operationalized trauma-informed care for children and youth involved with the child welfare system.

Read or download the full report Trauma Informed Care.