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Resources on Secondary Traumatic Stress for Trauma-Informed and Responsive (TIR) Professionals and Organizations

TIR Framework Graphic

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), also known as compassion fatigue, is a natural but avoidable consequence of working with individuals who have experienced trauma. The Framework for Trauma-Informed and Responsive (TIR) Organizations developed by the Childhood Trauma Task Force highlights the need for TIR organizations to support their employees and volunteers who might experience STS. This webpage includes resources for individuals and organizations who wish to prevent or address STS in the workplace. Some of the resources listed below are available in multiple languages.

The CTTF will continue to collect relevant resources on this topic. If you have any suggestions or comments, please email Melissa Threadgill, the Ofice of the Child Advocate's Director of Juvenile Justice Initiatives at Melissa.Threadgill@mass.gov.

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Framework for Trauma-Informed and Responsive (TIR) Organizations

Open PDF file, 377.77 KB,  Framework for Trauma-Informed and Responsive Organizations (English, PDF 377.77 KB)

The Framework for Trauma-Informed and Responsive Organizations is a 20-page document laying out five Guiding Principles for establishing a Trauma-Informed and Responsive (TIR) approach in an organization as well as five Domains in which the Guiding Principles should be applied.

STS Resources for TIR Organizations

NCTSN’s Secondary Traumatic Stress: Understanding the Impact of Trauma Work on Professionals 

This webinar describes how STS can impact staff, how organizations can support their workforce, and strategies for workers to prevent or address STS. While this is part of a series on working with immigrant children, the content applies to all child-serving professionals.

NCTSN’s Secondary Traumatic Stress: Understanding the Impact of Trauma Work on Professionals (in Spanish) 

Este webinario describe como el Estrés Traumático Secundario (ETS) puede impactar a trabajadores y como las organizaciones pueden ayudarlos. Tambien propone estrategias específicas para fortalecer los factores protectores para poder prevenir, identificar y abordar el ETS en el ámbito laboral.

Open PDF file, 1.74 MB,  STS in Child Welfare Practice: Trauma-Informed Guidelines for Organizations (2016) (English, PDF 1.74 MB)

Leadership at TIR organizations can use this guide when hiring and supporting their workforce’s wellbeing. It includes in-depth information, strategies, toolkits, and resources on STS and how it can impact individuals and organizations’ overall functioning.

Professional Quality of Life Measure (ProQOL) 

ProQOL is a validated and short tool available for free in 26 languages that measures compassion satisfaction, burnout, and STS of professionals working with individuals who suffer from trauma. The website also offers a manual to understand and (self) administer the tool as well as pocket cards and handouts.

The Secondary Traumatic Stress Informed Organization Assessment Tool (STSI-OA) 

Staff safety and wellbeing is foundational to organizations’ TIR practice. Professionals at all levels can use this tool developed by the Center on Trauma and Children to evaluate the degree to which their organizations help their staff deal with Secondary Traumatic Stress. Available in English, Spanish, and French.

STS Resources for TIR Professionals

Self-Care Starter Kit 

Social workers and other child-serving professionals will find this website developed by the University at Buffalo School of Social Work useful to develop a self-care plan and find resources on assessments, exercises, and activities to supplement the plan.

Professional Quality of Life Measure (ProQOL) 

ProQOL is a validated and short tool available for free in 26 languages that measures compassion satisfaction, burnout, and STS of professionals working with individuals who suffer from trauma. The website also offers a manual to understand and (self) administer the tool as well as pocket cards and handouts.

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