Becoming a Trauma Informed Community

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events experienced by children that can disrupt healthy brain development. Children who experience ACEs, which include violence, abuse, and neglect, are at significantly higher risk for mental and physical health issues as they become adults. Adults who experienced ACEs have a shorter life span than those who were not negatively impacted by ACEs. Trusting relationships for children exposed to ACEs can counteract negative effects on brain development, preventing lifelong negative mental and health consequences.

Trauma Informed Care is an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Becoming trauma-informed means recognizing that people often have many different types of trauma in their lives. ~ The Trauma Informed Care Project

All agencies, organizations, or groups in Kankakee (and Iroquois) County are encouraged to take steps to become trauma informed as a way to support and improve the lives of children and adults living and working in Kankakee (and Iroquois) County. The following is a collection of state and national resources for agencies and organizations to promote and sustain trauma-informed care within their organizations.

Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative - A broad range of multi-sectoral stakeholders committed to expanding the understanding of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their impact on the health and well- being of Illinois children, families, communities, and systems.

Illinois Collaboration of Youth (ICOY) - Trauma- Informed Care resources and trainings.

Illinois Department of Human Services - Resources to address traumatic events, with resources and tips for various sectors of the community, including faith-based communities.

Office of the California Surgeon General - Resources for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Toxic Stress and the Roadmap to Resilience report.

SAMHSAs Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach - A guide to implementing a trauma informed framework, including adherence to the key principles of a trauma informed approach.

United Way Fox Cities Trauma Informed Roadmap - Toolkit available that includes overview, organizational readiness self-assessment and five trauma-informed principles assessment.

PACEs Connection - Information exchange and resources to support ACEs initiatives, including online communities.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -  Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Leveraging the Best Available Evidence.