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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Trauma-Informed Approaches for Pennsylvania Children, Youth, and Families

    Trauma-Informed Care in the Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) emphasizes the importance of Trauma-Informed Approaches in providing technical assistance, training, policy, guidance, support and monitoring procedures with a growing focus on establishing trauma-informed care in Pennsylvania's Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice communities.

    About Trauma Informed Care

    The Office of Children, Youth and Families has developed and collected many trauma tools and resources that may be helpful for child welfare stakeholders and providers as they proceed on their trauma informed care continuum.  These resources may be used for creating and sustaining trauma-informed programs, policies, and practices across the state, as well as improving collaboration with families to improve their involvement. These resources may also be useful to families that are served through the child welfare and juvenile justice community. 

    Creating a Trauma Sensitive Space

    The Sensitivity Suite is schedules to return to the Statewide Permanency Conference in 2025.

    The Sensitivity Suite is a place where conference attendees are offered a serene environment to unwind and regain balance. This space is dedicated to highlighting the significance of self-care and tuning in to oneself within a learning environment and will be made available during session times for the conference.

    Purpose:

    Our goal is to foster a culture where well-being is prioritized, recognizing that taking care of ourselves enhances our ability to learn, grow, and succeed. The Sensitivity Suite was created as a haven where you can relax, re-center, and return to the conference feeling refreshed.

    Features:

    • Comfortable Seating: Cozy armchairs invite you to sit back and relax.
    • Soothing Ambiance: Soft, warm lighting and calming colors create a tranquil atmosphere.
    • Nature Elements: Potted plants and nature-themed decor bring the serenity of the outdoors inside.
    • Quiet Zones: The Sensitivity Suite is a designated quiet area allowing for meditation, reflection, or a brief respite.
    • Mindfulness Resources: Access to mindfulness, grounding techniques, and other stress-relief activities. Please see the table inside for these items.
      • We invite you to make use of this space at your discretion. Remember, self-care is important when taking in increased information and processing our learning journey. Enjoy your time in the Sensitivity Suite and return to the sessions feeling rejuvenated.

    The Sensitivity Suite is sponsored by the Department of Human Services, the Office of Children, Youth, and Families, and the OCYF Trauma Team.

    Downloadable TIC Tools & Resources

    A diverse group of adults.

    Trauma-Informed PA Plan

    The Trauma-Informed PA Plan makes recommendations and actionable steps to make Pennsylvania a trauma-informed state.

    Trauma-Informed PA Plan (PDF)
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    Trauma Toolbox

    We recognize the widespread burden secondary trauma and workplace stress is having on the workforce and families that staff work with; That’s why we created the Trauma Toolbox -- a collection of helpful resources all in one easy-to-access place.

    Get the tools you need
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    Trauma Informed Care Tool for OCYF

    The following assessment form was developed to provide a monitoring tool for use in assessing the progression of PA's County Children and Youth, foster care, and adoption agencies along the Trauma Informed PA (TIPA) Continuum.

    Download the TIC Tool for OCYF
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    Survey (OCYF version)

    The survey is designed to help organizational leaders assess and tell us about the organization's efforts to develop and sustain trauma informed practices.

    Download the Survey

    Trauma Tip Sheet - April 2025

    Trauma-Informed Workforce Development: Work-Life Harmony. This essential is grounded in two fundamental human needs: autonomy and flexibility.

    Read April's TTS
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    The Trauma Tips Sheet provides practical, monthly insights, resources, and strategies for trauma-informed care.

    Free Trauma Trainings for OCYF-Licensed Providers and Resource Families

    Developed in collaboration with the OCYF Trauma Team and the Child Welfare Resource Center

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    Raising Trauma Awareness in child welfare casework practices in PA

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    Developing Trauma Sensitivity in Therapeutic Foster Care

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    Developing Trauma Sensitivity for OCYF

    Developing Trauma Sensitivity for Congregate Care Staff

    The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which is in part comprised of the Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.