Trauma Informed Communication through the Pre and Post-Conviction Process

In a recent study completed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it was determined that 96% of justice involved women and 89% of justice involved men reported a history of traumatic experiences in their lifetime.  With this insight, we understand that any interaction we have with justice involved individuals has the potential to contribute to a safe and trusting environment that fosters resiliency and healing or creates re-traumatization.

Numerous professionals have shared the uncertainty of how to discuss trauma throughout the pre- and post-conviction process and the concern of possibly re-traumatizing their clients.  This workshop will offer foundational insight into trauma informed communication in the efforts gain insight into ways to anticipate/avoid common practices that are likely to re-traumatize clients.  Trauma informed communication is intended to avoid re-traumatizing clients along with increasing safety, decreasing recidivism rates and supporting the recovery process.

Learning Objectives:

• How trauma plays a role for attorneys and judges in pre-conviction discussions.
• Six Primary methods to discuss trauma without doing harm; and
• Increase awareness of a trauma-informed approach.