Implementing Trauma-Informed Care Plans District-Wide with Naomi Handley, Rachel Hamm, and Leandra Torra

As districts and states across the country grapple with the effects of trauma exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health crisis, and more, many have shifted to a trauma-informed care approach to promote healing environments for students and staff. One of NCSSLE’s Project Prevent Cohort 3 (P2C3) grantees, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), has made particularly noteworthy progress in implementing this approach district-wide.

On this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Naomi Handley, Rachel Hamm, and Leandra Torra, P2C3 grant recipients from Jefferson County, KY, about the district’s extensive trauma-informed care training approach. This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff.

Learn more about JCPS at their website, and read their Grantee Highlight for more information about their trauma-informed plans.

0:45 - Welcome & Introductions

1:28 - Why JCPS puts emphasis on Trauma-Informed Care

7:24 - The process for districts to create a system and provide Trauma-Informed Care to schools

10:41 - How this work connects to their Project Prevent Grant

12:25 - School Specific Plans

16:14 - Challenges they have encountered

23:30 - Successes and impacts they have seen on the school community

28:52 - What comes next for this Trauma-Informed Care work

35:18 - Closing

For all questions or feedback, you can email [e-mail]. Thanks for listening!

Please note, the contents of this podcast do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education, nor does it imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.

What is In Session?

In Session is an education-centered podcast where we speak with changemakers working towards safe supportive learning environments within their communities, co-hosted by Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff at the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments. Our guests include state and local education agencies and their partners - all grant recipients from the Department of Education, using their funding to advance school-based mental health services, support mental health service professionals, and establish trauma recovery and prevention programs. Please note, the contents of this podcast do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education, nor does it imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.