SAMHSA's Framework for Trauma-Informed Approach

SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach introduces a concept of trauma and offers a framework for how an organization, system, service sector can become trauma informed by integrating the perspectives of researchers, practitioners, and people with lived experience of trauma. The paper includes a definition of trauma ("The Three Es"), a definition of a trauma-informed approach ("The Four Rs"), 6 key principles, and 10 implementation domains. The paper also includes a matrix of sample questions, across domains and key principles, to help agencies begin to think about using a trauma-informed approach. SAMHSA encourages individuals and organizations to examine how an understanding of trauma and the use of a trauma-informed approach will benefit all stakeholders.