Trauma-Informed Care Basics
What mindset does trauma-informed care promote when working with minors?
Empathy, curiosity, and patience.
What is emotional dysregulation?
Difficulty managing emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and fear.
What should staff notice about themselves before intervening in a crisis?
Their own emotional state and ability to self-regulate.
What active listening techniques can help when supporting a dysregulated minor?
Listening without judgment, validating feelings, and giving space to speak.
In the scenario where Minor B throws materials and becomes violent after being hit, what is the first step staff should take?
Ensure safety for all minors and staff; stay calm and observe without escalating.
Name three key goals of trauma-informed care training for LC and CM staff.
Strengthen collaboration, promote trauma-informed mindset, empower staff with tools and strategies.
How do tantrums differ from meltdowns?
Tantrums are goal-oriented and often intentional; meltdowns are involuntary and physiological.
Name the three steps to respond positively to a meltdown.
Regulate, Relate, Reason.
How can maintaining calmness and predictability support a minor in crisis?
It helps reduce anxiety and creates a safe environment.
If a minor locks themselves in a bathroom and refuses to come out after a crisis, what should staff do?
Maintain communication if possible, provide reassurance, and call for backup if safety is at risk.
Why is it important to maintain safety, predictability, and calmness when supporting a dysregulated minor?
To reduce stress and help the minor feel secure and supported during crisis.
Give an example of a behavior that might indicate a meltdown.
Screaming, crying, hitting, stimming, zoning out.
Why is it helpful to “meet the minor at their energy level” during dysregulation?
It helps create connection and trust, making calming easier.
Why is it important for staff to examine their own emotional responses during interventions?
To maintain safety and model self-regulation for the minor.
When a minor is uncontrollably crying and throwing objects after disclosing trauma, how should staff respond?
Validate feelings, give space, maintain calmness, and avoid pushing for immediate communication.
What is the significance of recognizing the difference between behavior and communication in trauma-informed care?
Behaviors may be expressions of unmet needs or trauma rather than intentional misconduct.
Name one cause of emotional dysregulation in minors.
Early childhood trauma (also acceptable: genetics, ADHD, autism, brain injury).
What type of regulation involves body-based coping mechanisms like stimming or jumping?
Self-regulation through body-based calming tools.
What does empathy in trauma-informed care look like?
Validating feelings, understanding without judgment, and providing reassurance.
If a minor runs away in the stairwell and hides, what are key actions for staff?
Keep calm, try to engage safely without chasing aggressively, call for help if needed.
List two emotions that are often difficult for minors experiencing emotional dysregulation to manage.
Anger and anxiety (also acceptable: sadness, fear).
What is a common misconception about tantrums?
That they are just manipulative behaviors rather than expressions of unmet needs.
When should staff consider calling 911 or psychiatric/medical help during a crisis?
When there is danger to the minor or others, or if the situation escalates beyond staff control.
What should staff do if a minor refuses to communicate after dysregulation?
Give them time and space, validate their experience, and continue to offer support without pressure.
When two minors from the same foster home are arguing and both feel uncomfortable, what is a trauma-informed approach?
Validate both minors’ feelings, explore triggers, and seek a safe, respectful way to address conflict without forcing immediate resolution.