Traumeinformert

Traumeinformert, or trauma-informed in English, refers to an organizational and service-delivery approach that recognizes the high prevalence of trauma in the population served and its impact on health, behavior, and learning. The aim is to create safety, trust and opportunities for healing by integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures and everyday practice, with the goal of reducing re-traumatization and supporting resilience.

The framework is built on several core principles. These commonly include safety, both physical and emotional; trustworthiness and transparency in staff actions; peer support; collaboration and empowerment of individuals; choice and control over decisions affecting their lives; and cultural, historical and gender responsiveness. Practices are adapted to the local context, population, and sector.

Implementation typically involves leadership commitment and organizational change, staff training on trauma and its effects, and the integration of trauma screening or assessment with informed consent. It also encompasses trauma-informed environment design, policies and procedures that minimize triggers and re-traumatization, and care planning that centers the client’s goals. Collaboration with clients, family involvement where appropriate, and ongoing supervision or support for staff are common components to sustain a trauma-informed culture.

Traumeinformert approaches are used across sectors, including health care, social services, education, the juvenile and criminal justice systems, and refugee or migrant services. Evidence for effectiveness is variable and context-dependent, but reported benefits include improved client engagement and satisfaction, better service utilization, and reductions in coercive practices in some settings. Successful adoption requires genuine organizational commitment, adequate resources, and ongoing monitoring and refinement.