Please start by going to the Home page and clicking on the "What is Trauma?" and "Why Resilience?" buttons for the background of how trauma affects the brain.
What Does a Trauma Informed Church or Faith Community Do?
1. Realizes the widespread impact of trauma on those the church is ministering to and along side of
2. Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in the men, women, and children it serves as well as the effect living with a traumatized family member has on all family members and relationships
3. Responds to the needs of its congregation and community by integrating knowledge of trauma into the planning of ministries, policies, and stewardship of the church's resources
4. Resists Re-traumatization of victims that can occur when recognition of trauma is not combined with compassion and de-stigmatization of mental health treatment. This must also be taken into account in reporting of abuse procedures.
2. Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in the men, women, and children it serves as well as the effect living with a traumatized family member has on all family members and relationships
3. Responds to the needs of its congregation and community by integrating knowledge of trauma into the planning of ministries, policies, and stewardship of the church's resources
4. Resists Re-traumatization of victims that can occur when recognition of trauma is not combined with compassion and de-stigmatization of mental health treatment. This must also be taken into account in reporting of abuse procedures.
- Inspired by SAMHSA and www.intermountainministry.org handout for churches
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 NLT
3 Principles that Support Resilience
1. Reduce Sources of Stress
- Many Churches already have ministries that meet physical needs of the community. Regular, reliable help would be more impactful in reducing household stress than occasional gifts.
- Food Pantries, Clothing Closets, School Supplies, Bus Ministry, Reduced Cost Meals, etc.
- Teachings about Forgiveness, Conflict Resolution, Anger Management, Marriage Counseling, etc.
- Teaching Parenting Skills to young adults and teens, Support local pregnancy centers who often have parenting skills classes and support, teaching Financial Literacy and Management Skills, Job skills Training, Hosting programs like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Marriage Enrichment Activities, Collaborate with Substance Abuse Recovery programs, Collaborate with local law enforcement to provide support or job training for parolees, etc.
- Support different generations getting to know each other and help each other, Mentoring and Discipleship of Teens and Young Adults by Older Generations
- Being a Presence of Safe, Available, Encouraging Adults for Children from all Backgrounds
- Support Parenting Skills Education and Foster/Adoptive Trauma Informed Parenting Education
- Support Groups for Grief, Divorce, Substance Abuse, Adoption, Foster Families, etc.
- inspired by - https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilience/
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:17 NLT
Isaiah 1:17 NLT
Considerations for:
Preschool and Children's Ministry
Security - Consider church security measures. Have a pick-up system - having a sticker with a code or some other way to match child to parent picking them up. Have a system for watching all doors to the outside and doors exiting the preschool area. Use background checks for all adults working with children. Remove any visual blocks, including playground equipment, that allow children to be in places where adults can't see them. Children can be victimized by other children in these places. Train all adults in children's programs using a training that teaches them to be aware of grooming behaviors in perpetrators. There is no recognizable type of perpetrator - they may be any age, gender, or marital status, occupation, economic status, etc. Perpetrators can only be detected before they act by watching for grooming behaviors.
Accountability- Have at least two adults in each classroom. Have at least two adults present at all overnight events or camps.
Felt Safety - Children from hard places may not feel safe when we know they are safe. We can help them by providing stable relationships, same routines, visual schedules, rituals - special chants, claps, handshakes, etc. that signal transition from one activity to another and create a sense of belonging. Anything that increases predictability can increase felt safety. Adults have the responsibility to stay calm.
Meeting Needs - Provide access to water at all times. Provide a snack every 2 hours. Provide access to safe restrooms with adult supervision. Provide large muscle movement activities frequently through action songs, acting out stories, playing outdoors or in a recreation space, games.
Connection - Provide stable adult relationships through having the same workers as much as possible. Encourage one-on-one interactions between workers and children, but always in the presence of others - toss a ball, read a book, have conversation, play games, etc. Consider allowing children to perform/sing for adults and senior citizen's groups in the church, visit nursing homes, etc. Teach children about helping others and give them opportunities to do it.
Correction - First try to find out what need they have that is not being met and therefore causing behavior. Use playful engagement first and most of the time - "Woah! Let's try that again!" with a smile. Allow choices when both choices are acceptable - "Would you like to use a red marker or blue marker?" When still acting up, keep them close - sit with teacher or allow them to be a helper. When throwing a fit, remove projectiles and move to a safe place. Notify parents if having significant issues, but support parents.
Teaching - Use this opportunity to allow teens in the church to learn how to take care of children in a safe and interactive way, with supervision by experienced adults.
Accountability- Have at least two adults in each classroom. Have at least two adults present at all overnight events or camps.
Felt Safety - Children from hard places may not feel safe when we know they are safe. We can help them by providing stable relationships, same routines, visual schedules, rituals - special chants, claps, handshakes, etc. that signal transition from one activity to another and create a sense of belonging. Anything that increases predictability can increase felt safety. Adults have the responsibility to stay calm.
Meeting Needs - Provide access to water at all times. Provide a snack every 2 hours. Provide access to safe restrooms with adult supervision. Provide large muscle movement activities frequently through action songs, acting out stories, playing outdoors or in a recreation space, games.
Connection - Provide stable adult relationships through having the same workers as much as possible. Encourage one-on-one interactions between workers and children, but always in the presence of others - toss a ball, read a book, have conversation, play games, etc. Consider allowing children to perform/sing for adults and senior citizen's groups in the church, visit nursing homes, etc. Teach children about helping others and give them opportunities to do it.
Correction - First try to find out what need they have that is not being met and therefore causing behavior. Use playful engagement first and most of the time - "Woah! Let's try that again!" with a smile. Allow choices when both choices are acceptable - "Would you like to use a red marker or blue marker?" When still acting up, keep them close - sit with teacher or allow them to be a helper. When throwing a fit, remove projectiles and move to a safe place. Notify parents if having significant issues, but support parents.
Teaching - Use this opportunity to allow teens in the church to learn how to take care of children in a safe and interactive way, with supervision by experienced adults.
- inspired by The Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development at TCU
Youth Ministry
Security - Have a system for monitoring all doors to the outside and doors exiting the youth area. Be aware of who is bringing and picking up teens. Use background checks for all adults working with youth. Use training for adults that teaches them to be aware of grooming behaviors. Also be aware that teens can victimize other teens and children. The average male serial molester begins victimizing around age 13 -14. Grooming behaviors that target teen girls usually involve communication with texting, social media, or other apps. Grooming behaviors that target teen boys usually involve a lure of access to pornography, alcohol, tobacco/vaping, marijuana, or other drugs.
Accountability- Have at least two adults in each classroom. Have at least two adults present with teens during all overnight events or camps.
Felt Safety - Children from hard places may not feel safe when we know they are safe. We can help them by providing stable relationships, same routines, visual schedules, rituals - special chants, claps, handshakes, etc. that signal transition from one activity to another and create a sense of belonging. Anything that increases predictability can increase felt safety. Adults have the responsibility to stay calm.
Meeting Needs - Provide access to water, food every 2-3 hours, safe restrooms, and physical activity.
Connection - Provide stable, positive, relationships with adults who are encouraging and unconditionally caring. Consider having interactions with Senior adults such as serving, fellowshipping, performing for them. Consider having "camp grandparents" at youth camps. Adults can support teens in having healthy friendships and relationships. Create an atmosphere of "positive peer pressure."
Correction - Always try to find out what need a misbehaving teen has that is not being met. Teens from hard places can have delays in verbal expression. They may act out when unable to express themselves. Keep a playful atmosphere. Allow choices when possible. Some teens may need to have control of something to feel safe and calm. Keep those who have trouble regulating emotions close to a calm adult who can help them regulate.
Teaching - Use the opportunity to teach life skills along with Faith. Forgiveness, Communication, Relationship Skills, Childcare Skills, Financial Literacy, Pornography and Substance Abuse Prevention, Cooking, Repairs, etc. These create a sense of empowerment, and self-worth as well as prepare teens to be the next generation of parents.
Accountability- Have at least two adults in each classroom. Have at least two adults present with teens during all overnight events or camps.
Felt Safety - Children from hard places may not feel safe when we know they are safe. We can help them by providing stable relationships, same routines, visual schedules, rituals - special chants, claps, handshakes, etc. that signal transition from one activity to another and create a sense of belonging. Anything that increases predictability can increase felt safety. Adults have the responsibility to stay calm.
Meeting Needs - Provide access to water, food every 2-3 hours, safe restrooms, and physical activity.
Connection - Provide stable, positive, relationships with adults who are encouraging and unconditionally caring. Consider having interactions with Senior adults such as serving, fellowshipping, performing for them. Consider having "camp grandparents" at youth camps. Adults can support teens in having healthy friendships and relationships. Create an atmosphere of "positive peer pressure."
Correction - Always try to find out what need a misbehaving teen has that is not being met. Teens from hard places can have delays in verbal expression. They may act out when unable to express themselves. Keep a playful atmosphere. Allow choices when possible. Some teens may need to have control of something to feel safe and calm. Keep those who have trouble regulating emotions close to a calm adult who can help them regulate.
Teaching - Use the opportunity to teach life skills along with Faith. Forgiveness, Communication, Relationship Skills, Childcare Skills, Financial Literacy, Pornography and Substance Abuse Prevention, Cooking, Repairs, etc. These create a sense of empowerment, and self-worth as well as prepare teens to be the next generation of parents.
- inspired by The Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development at TCU
Young Adult Ministry
Connection - Provide opportunities for real connected relationships among young adults. These may be in Sunday School classes, Small Groups, Studies, Men's and Women's Groups, Young Professional or Single Adult Groups, Mentoring and Discipleship Groups. Consider having Median and Senior Adults present or serving in these groups, if ages are not already mixed, to provide mentoring, support, modeling and teaching.
Support - Consider how to provide extra support for expecting and post-partum mothers and fathers. Check in on them and help with life stressors. Consider if hospital visits are done, maybe a home visit to the mother a few days after coming home would be helpful. This is a time a mother can feel alone and begin to have symptoms of depression. Have an older father in the church check on new dads in the weeks after a birth. Organize meals for families with new babies, newly adopted or fostered children, or family members in the hospital or recently passed away. Keep in mind it is difficult for young mothers to provide helping hands to each other, as it often doubles the number of children present. This is when single adults and older adults may be of more help. With the cultural tendency for young families to move far away from extended families, the church can become a safety net for families with young children.
Teaching - Provide opportunities for young adults to learn about life issues that often cause stress or difficulties within relationships. Marriage Enrichment, Forgiveness, Financial Peace, Parenting Skills, Counseling, Mental Health Resources, etc.
Support - Consider how to provide extra support for expecting and post-partum mothers and fathers. Check in on them and help with life stressors. Consider if hospital visits are done, maybe a home visit to the mother a few days after coming home would be helpful. This is a time a mother can feel alone and begin to have symptoms of depression. Have an older father in the church check on new dads in the weeks after a birth. Organize meals for families with new babies, newly adopted or fostered children, or family members in the hospital or recently passed away. Keep in mind it is difficult for young mothers to provide helping hands to each other, as it often doubles the number of children present. This is when single adults and older adults may be of more help. With the cultural tendency for young families to move far away from extended families, the church can become a safety net for families with young children.
Teaching - Provide opportunities for young adults to learn about life issues that often cause stress or difficulties within relationships. Marriage Enrichment, Forgiveness, Financial Peace, Parenting Skills, Counseling, Mental Health Resources, etc.
Median Adult Ministry
Connection - Provide opportunities for Median Adults to have real connected relationships with others in the church community.
Support - Consider how to provide support for Divorce, Grief, Parenting, Illness, Caring for elderly parents, etc.
Teaching - Provide opportunities for Median Adults to learn about life issues that often cause stress or difficulties within relationships. Marriage Enrichment, Forgiveness, Financial Peace, Parenting Skills, Counseling, Mental Health Resources, etc.
Support - Consider how to provide support for Divorce, Grief, Parenting, Illness, Caring for elderly parents, etc.
Teaching - Provide opportunities for Median Adults to learn about life issues that often cause stress or difficulties within relationships. Marriage Enrichment, Forgiveness, Financial Peace, Parenting Skills, Counseling, Mental Health Resources, etc.
Senior Adult Ministry
Connection - Provide opportunities for Senior Adults to have real connected relationships with others in the church community. There should be opportunities for Seniors to interact with children, teens, young and median adults. They may hold babies, watch performances, play games, give advice, teach life skills, serve in hospitality, etc.
Support - Consider how to provide support for Seniors, especially those living alone or without nearby family. Provide the helping hands of younger generations. Visit or provide meals when ill or in the hospital. Provide support for Divorce, Grief, Chronic Illness, etc. Consider organizing a homebound visiting ministry.
Teaching - Continue to provide regular teaching on the tenets of Faith, Forgiveness, Communication, and Love. Involve Senior Adults in teaching the younger generations whenever possible.
Support - Consider how to provide support for Seniors, especially those living alone or without nearby family. Provide the helping hands of younger generations. Visit or provide meals when ill or in the hospital. Provide support for Divorce, Grief, Chronic Illness, etc. Consider organizing a homebound visiting ministry.
Teaching - Continue to provide regular teaching on the tenets of Faith, Forgiveness, Communication, and Love. Involve Senior Adults in teaching the younger generations whenever possible.
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children."
Luke 18:16 NLT
Luke 18:16 NLT
Publications
- Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. 2021. Crosby, Smith, Gage, and Blanchette - LINK
- Wounded Souls: The Need for Child Protection Professionals and Faith Leaders to Recognize and Respond to the Spiritual Impact of Child Abuse by Victor I. Vieth and Pete Singer - LINK
- Coordinating Pastoral Care of Survivors with Mental Health Providers by Pete Singer - LINK
National Websites
Dove's Nest: Faith Communities Keeping Children and Youth Safe - LINK
- Sample Church policies around child abuse protection and inclusion of those convicted of a sex offense in the local church.
- Circle of Grace is a Christian safe environment curriculum that helps to inform and educate children and youth about the value of positive relationships with God and others
- A consultation service that provides training, information on policies/procedures, backgrounds checks, and monitoring.
- A group of videos discussing some of the hot topics of sexual abuse in the church setting - LINK
- An initiative of the Southern Baptist Convention and partners to provide comprehensive training and support to encourage churches to be places of safety, prevention of abuse, and caring well for survivors. Resources available.
- An Institute for connecting clergy of all faiths to training and academic resources to help them use their roles in the church to support families and protect children.
- Great resources for victims of abuse as well as advocates for child abuse prevention.
- 21 Things People Can Do to Prevent Abuse and Support Survivors - LINK
- What to do When Your Minister is Accused of Abuse - LINK
- A nonprofit organization formed by Basyle ‘Boz’ Tchividjian, JD, the grandson of the late Rev. Billy Graham
- They provide safeguarding certification, independent investigations, and organizational assessments
Oklahoma Websites
Children's Advocacy Centers - List of all in Oklahoma with Contact info - LINK
Fostering Hope 31 Day Bible Reading Plan - LINK
The Spero Project - LINK
Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma - Tulsa - LINK
Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children - LINK
- Ada, Ardmore, Bartlesville, Claremore, Durant, El Reno, Enid, Idabel, Jay, McAlester, Miami, Muskogee, Norman, Oklahoma City, Ponca City, Poteau, Sallisaw, Shawnee, Stigler, Stillwater, Tulsa
- These generally provide forensic interviews, medical exams, case review, victim advocacy, trauma informed mental health services or referrals, and public education around abuse prevention.
- Forensic interviews, medical exams, coordinated care and counseling for children who are victims of abuse, neglect, and witnesses of crime. They also have a robust prevention education program that can work with community organizations and schools/daycares.
- Center for forensic interviews, medical exams, mental health services and referrals, and case management for victims of child abuse, neglect and witnesses of crime
- Information and resources for recruiting and supporting foster families in Oklahoma
- This organization works with OKDHS to recruit and support more foster parents from within primarily African American churches to care for African American foster children in Oklahoma.
- Care Portal is a ministry that uses technology to link churches in Oklahoma with actual needs within their county or community. By meeting these needs church groups can help prevent families from having to go into foster care and can meet needs of those already in foster care.
Fostering Hope 31 Day Bible Reading Plan - LINK
The Spero Project - LINK
- An Oklahoma city non-profit that seeks to unify the Church to support our neighbors including supporting public school children, refugee communities, and marginalized women
Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma - Tulsa - LINK
Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children - LINK
Recommended Books
Anchored: A Bible Study on Self Worth by Cindy R. Lee - LINK
Created to Connect: A Christian's Guide to the Connected Child by Karyn B. Purvis, Michael and Amy Monroe - LINK What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry MD PhD and Oprah Winfrey - LINK What Is A Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander - LINK We Too: How The Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis by Mary DeMuth - LINK Adopted For Life by Russell Moore - LINK Reframing Foster Care: Filtering your foster parenting journey through the lens of the Gospel by Jason Johnson - LINK Everyone Can Do Something: A field guide to strategically rallying your church around the orphaned and vulnerable by Jason Johnson - LINK Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons - LINK |
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