3.9 Integrated Screening, Assessment and Training in Trauma Informed Care

Figure 3.9.1 Photo by Külli Kittus on Unsplash

All service agencies need to begin by screening everyone who enters their programs for trauma histories, as well as for substance use and mental health issues.  This screening needs to be brief and non-threatening, with a sensitive, trauma-informed and culturally competent process.

When consumers come in for an intake to access these services, we need to be aware that the questions that we are asking might be sensitive and a challenge.  Letting the consumers know that if they do not want to answer specific questions, they have the option to let us know that they are not comfortable answering that question or that they prefer not to answer that question.

Our consumers have multiple layers of challenges and issues, and when we make them uncomfortable or insist on answers quite often they may shut down or lie about their situations, to get assistance or into a specific program which is counterproductive.

Figure 3.9.2 Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

Being trauma-informed means that we are aware of the challenges and try to support and by assisting them to feel safe and respected.  Using Integrated Screening, Assessment and Training in Trauma Informed Care we are able to assist in getting a clear picture of the person’s situation and get them options that are the best fit for them.  If they choose to disclose then it’s important that we validate the disclosure and express empathy and caring.

There are times when this means the best option is an integrated or stepped program, where certain components get addressed initially (i.e. roof over their head or safe place to be) and others a little later, or however the options can be integrated.  Certain agencies have different options, that could be a great fit, but that is not always that simplistic.

There are various screening tools depending on where you work, and what the issues are.  The screening tools are through a trauma-informed process to assist in in finding the best services for you.  If there are co-occurring issues, health issues, critical life threatening issues or other challenges this will be reflected in the screening and assessment process.

Different issues, agencies, communities, provinces and countries have various programs to support through the trauma-informed process. There will be questions around mental health, substance use, or trauma/domestic violence.  Depending on the answers the options / solutions could be different.

Figure 3.9.3 Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
When working in a 6 month residential treatment agency, one of the clients who had been with us for 4 months and was enjoying his health and wellness, came back from a specialist appointment to tell us he had been diagnosed with cancer.  His plan was to complete the 6 months and then begin cancer treatment.  We began a conversation around what exactly he had and the stage it was at.  Once all the medical information/documentation was compiled (which was done in a timely fashion) it was decided that this client needed to pause his stay in the 6 month residential treatment as his current health issue with cancer was very serious, and postponing addressing the cancer treatment could cost him his life.  A plan was created (which included the client, all of his counsellors, supports, professionals and doctors) which included a integrated program that was the best fit for him and including him returning to complete the residential treatment when he was in a better state of health and the cancer had been addressed.                                                                                                                                                                   Denise Halsey

Trauma Informed Care Screening and Assessment

Transcript

For More Information:

References:

  • Figure 3.9.1, 3.9.2, 3.8.3 –Unsplash License
  • SAMHA. (2021, November 28). Trauma Informed Care Screening and Assessment: SAMHSA TIP [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4CLl0d8Iyw

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Fundamentals of Addiction – Trauma Informed, Solution Focused Counselling & Case Management Copyright © 2018 by Denise Halsey and Sunil Boodhai is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book