How Being Trauma Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Response

Join us for an eye-opening event:

How Being Trauma Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Response

Trauma and its effects are a prominent part of the everyday lives of those that we serve. Until recently there was only one trauma-informed care provider in the entire state of West Virginia. Through grant funding, The REACH Initiative was able to provide training for twenty new trainers across the state of West Virginia.

We would like to invite you to attend a training, “How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses.” This training is provided by SAMHSA’s GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation, operated by Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA). This program is known nationally for its work regarding people with behavioral health needs involved in the criminal justice system.

Overview

Although prevalence estimates vary, there is consensus that high percentages of justice-involved women and men have experienced serious trauma throughout their lifetime. The reverberating effects of traumatic experiences can challenge a person’s capacity for recovery and pose significant barriers to accessing services, often resulting in an increased risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

Objectives

▪ Increase understanding of trauma

▪ Create an awareness of the impact of trauma on behavior

▪ Develop trauma-informed responses

Trauma-informed criminal justice responses can help to avoid re-traumatizing individuals, and thereby increase safety for all, decrease recidivism, and promote and support recovery of justice involved women and men with serious mental illness. Partnerships across systems can also help to link individuals to trauma-informed services and treatment for trauma.

Program Information

· Full-day training

· Print materials

· Online resources

· Certificate of Completion

Program Participants

This interactive training is specifically tailored to community-based criminal justice professionals including:

▪ Police

▪ Community corrections (probation, parole, and pre-trial services officers)

▪ Court personnel

Our goal is to help you better understand the mindset and needs of those that you serve, as well as yourself possibly. This training is provided to help ensure a safe environment, for both you and them.

This in-person event will be held at 215 Virginia Street W, Charleston. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation!

Host or Publisher The REACH Initiative