Henry County Schools (HCS) is committed to developing and providing a continuum of services to ensure that every student is learning in a safe and healthy environment. Through the Strategic Plan, HCS has developed a trauma-informed approach utilizing the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) . These trauma-informed, evidence-based strategies and interventions are implemented district and schoolwide to improve culture and climate that results in a positive outcome for students and other stakeholders.

Trauma-informed care is a strengths-based approach that focuses on how trauma affects a person and his or her response to traumatic event(s) by recognizing and building upon an individual's strengths and resiliency. This approach requires all members of the school system at all levels to:

• Recognize signs of trauma

• Understand how trauma can affect individuals, families, organizations, and communities 

• Avoid behaviors that may be retraumatizing to individuals

• Promote resiliency 

• Incorporate the core principles of trauma-informed care when engaging with individuals, families, organizations, and communities

Trauma-informed care is built on the principles of safety, trustworthiness, collaboration and mutuality, and empowerment. The information contained within this toolkit is designed to provide the tools to work with students and staff members from the lens of trauma-informed care built on those principles.