Issues, challenges and opportunities for trauma-informed practice

This report was kindly produced by Dr Sarah Senker, Dr Anne Eason, Dr Chris Pawson and Professor Kieran McCartan, building upon previous Academic Insights papers and highlighting some of the key issues, challenges and opportunities for trauma-informed practices. Ten critical questions are presented, including whether we know how to identify good trauma-informed work and measure positive outcomes, whether the criminal justice system and settings are conducive to trauma-informed approaches, and whether the wider community is supportive of these efforts and approaches. As is set out, trauma-informed work requires organisational support and leadership buy-in, promoting an environment that is supportive of the care and compassion required to deliver and sustain the therapeutic nature of the practice. In terms of the wider discourse, a considered and evidence-based approach is required which frames the conversation in an accessible, nuanced and non-emotive way, recognising that addressing past trauma can help to reduce reoffending and protect the public. Such conversations would be helped through further strengthening of the evidence base, with practice continually refined in line with the most recent and robust evidence