Trauma informed practice is an approach to care provision that considers the impact of trauma exposure on an individual’s biological, psychological and social development.

Delivering services in a trauma informed way means understanding that individuals may have a history of traumatic experiences which may impact on their ability to feel safe and develop trusting relationships with services and professionals

Many people affected by trauma and adverse childhood experiences remain able to safeguard their own wellbeing. However, for some, the complexity, severity and persistence of post traumatic reactions may impact to the extent that these individuals repeatedly take decisions that place them at risk of harm.

Equally, issues with their sense of self and interpersonal relationships, seriously affecting all or many of their relationships across many areas of life, can severely compromise their ability to safeguard. These safeguarding challenges can be associated with patterns of chronic difficulties in experience of emotions, emotional expression and/or regulation, and associated coping strategies such as self-harm, care-seeking and use/misuse of alcohol and drugs.

As part of an assessment – which may require significant time to undertake - it is crucial to understand the person’s decision-making processes. Consideration should be given to any factors that may have impacted upon the adult with the effect of impinging on, or detracting from, their ability to make free and informed decisions to safeguard themselves. This could therefore mean that, in some circumstances, they should be regarded as unable to safeguard themselves.

Further information about trauma and the importance of trauma informed practice can be found here: NES National trauma training programme.