Creating a Trauma Informed Environment, Part 2

Trauma results from an event, series of events or a set of circumstances an individual experiences as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening, which may have lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual well-being. Traumatic events may be experienced by an individual, a generation, or an entire community or culture.

Learn more in SAMHSA’s Practical Guide for Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach.

Many residents of recovery housing have experienced trauma in their lives. The type and severity of trauma varies from person to person. The NARR standards focus on providing recovery homes with a trauma-informed environment. Similar to the social model of recovery, creating a trauma-informed environment focuses not only on the physical environment, but also how it is used.

The following are ways to help create an environment that is trauma informed:

• Ensure residents have privacy when using the bathroom, showering, sleeping and changing clothes.

• Allow for spaces for residents to have private conversations with friends, family, peer supporters and others.

• Maintain appropriate visitor policies and procedures that make visitors aware of how to respect residents.

• Carefully consider the use of security cameras.

• Provide secure spaces for residents to securely store keepsakes and other personal items of value.

• Discuss emergency procedures and protocols appropriately, and maintain proper preparedness kits.

• Store documents and records appropriately within the home.

• Ask residents when they are moving in what you can do to help them feel safe and comfortable, and implement recommendations, if possible.