A relational approach to trauma informed practice with children and young people
Safety is a basic human right. It creates the conditions in which the experience of being human is given the time and potency to flourish. Safety is associated with powerful memories of home, of important people, of experiences that are full of warmth, love and nurture. It weaves interconnection.
In its absence, danger lurks. Threat is perceived and felt. Fear overwhelms the senses and cripples the capacity for protection. It unleashes hurt, trauma and loss. After such disruption, states of safety are pursued in an inherent drive to re-capture what was lost. Safety searches for familiarity. It ritualises care and empathy. Safety restores life.
Authored by Joe Tucci, Angela Weller and Janise Mitchell from the Foundation, the first of our Original Paper Series explores a new model of practice that is trauma responsive, relational and safety oriented.