top of page

Suggested Education Protocol

  • When a child is exposed to violence or trauma, a law enforcement officer or first responder will fill out a FOCUS Notification through the FOCUS app.  This will go straight to the school district and school of attendance.

​

  • The school designee will then ensure the FOCUS Notification is provided to the appropriate teacher(s).  A process should be developed to alert appropriate school staff of the child's exposure to trauma (such as notifying the teacher(s) via email or by a phone call as soon as possible).

​

  • Teachers will observe the child's behavior/academic performance and utilize trauma sensitive interventions as deemed appropriate.

​

Intervention Examples:

Homework forgiveness

Allowed to rest at nurse's office

Postponing test

Providing tutoring

Monitoring child's nutritional needs

School based Trauma Flow Chart.jpg

  • If the child exhibits problems (emotional/behavioral/academic/etc.), the teacher should refer the child to the school counselor.

​

  • The school counselor will assess the child's needs to determine if counseling/services are needed and make a recommendation to the parent/guardian.

​

  • The counselor or social worker will refer the caregiver/child for follow-up services as deemed appropriate.

​

  • The school should attempt to obtain written consent from the parent/guardian for care providers and school staff to communicate about the best interest of the child.

​

  • School districts are encouraged to provide trauma sensitive training to all school employees if possible.

​​

Video courtesy of The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (TLPI)

For more information on how to create trauma sensitive schools click here

bottom of page