“To be trauma-informed, in any context, is to understand the ways in which violence, victimization, and other traumatic experiences may have impacted the lives of the individuals involved and to apply that understanding to the design of systems and provision of services so they accommodate trauma survivors’ needs and are consonant with healing and recovery.” (Butler, Critelli, & Rinfrette, 2011)

The five principles essential for creating a trauma-informed setting that can being addressing the needs of those who have likely experienced some form of trauma are as follows (Fallot & Harris, 2009). These same principles create the conditions for developing secure attachment in the relationships developed between students and adults.

1. Safety

2. Establishing trustworthiness

3. Maximizing choice

4. Maximizing collaboration

5. Prioritizing empowerment

The combination of predictability and student choice is a part of the Haven Way tight/loose continuum that allows students to have a voice while within a safe environment. The incorporation of both allows for a balance of the five principles listed above. Some of the practices that Haven uses to create a trauma-sensitive school environment is through:

• Identifying and assessing traumatic stress

• Addressing and treating traumatic stress

• Teaching trauma education and awareness

• Having partnerships with students and families

• Creating a trauma-informed learning environment (social/emotional skills and wellness)

• Being culturally responsive

• Integrating emergency management & crisis response

• Understanding and addressing staff self-care and secondary traumatic stress

• Evaluating and revising school discipline policies and practices

• Collaborating across systems and establishing community partnerships