Critiques of Trauma-Informed Systems
Critiques of Trauma-Informed Systems
- Wendy Shaia, Wendy ShaiaUniversity of Maryland School of Social Work
- Temeka S. Bailey, Temeka S. BaileyUniversity of Maryland School of Social Work
- Christopher BeegleChristopher BeegleUniversity of Maryland School of Social Work
- , and Maura TennorMaura TennorUniversity of Maryland School of Social Work
Summary
Much of the trauma experienced by individuals, families, and communities, especially in historically marginalized areas, has been created by a series of social phenomena such as structural oppression, racism, and discrimination. Public-serving systems are uniquely positioned to counter the perpetuation of retraumatization that disproportionately impacts oppressed groups. Therefore, trauma-informed care (TIC) and trauma-responsive care (TRC) must evolve through the conscious application of an antiracist and antioppressive approach, thereby preventing the further harming of already marginalized groups. Macro accountability is established by analyzing power systems through a culturally responsive lens rather than blaming and pathologizing individuals impacted by historical and persistent racialized trauma. Applied to TIC and TRC, the SHARP framework renders more effective social work services at the personal and individual, professional and organizational, and political and societal levels more just and humane. A compare and contrast analysis of adverse childhood experience studies, summarizing TIC and TRC, and a case study of the application of the SHARP framework to human services work may shed light on guiding public-serving systems and promoting opportunities for posttraumatic growth and transformative change necessary for dismantling policies, protocols, and practices that increase vulnerability and long-term adverse outcomes in socially disadvantaged communities.
Keywords
Subjects
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Poverty
- Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
- Social Justice and Human Rights