Understanding Trauma-Informed Programming (NFRC Webinar)

This webinar explored trauma-informed principles and look at their relevance for work in fatherhood program settings. It is likely that many participants in fatherhood programs have been exposed to trauma, perhaps as a result of violence in their families or communities; experiences before, during, or after incarceration; or as a result of military service. These experiences can impact key executive functioning skills such as how you think, feel, behave and relate to others.

This webinar continued a conversation that we began with our February 2015 webinar, Let’s Talk About Mental Health, when we focused on helping fathers identify and address mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) issues. According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a trauma-informed approach can be implemented in any type of service setting and is distinct from trauma-specific interventions that are designed specifically to address the consequences of trauma and facilitate healing.

Webinar Goals
Participants will improve their knowledge and understanding of:

• The widespread impact of trauma for many individuals and families.
• Signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, and staff members.
• Ways to integrate trauma-informed knowledge into program policies, procedures, and practices.
• SAMHSA’s Trauma-Informed Guiding Principles.
• Resources to help agencies and individuals become more trauma informed.

Presenters

• Derrick Gordon, Ph.D., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
• Kerri Pruitt, The Dannon Project, Birmingham, AL
• Lamar Henderson, All Dads Matter, Merced, CA