This subject examines the theories and practice applications of trauma informed practice for social work settings. Students will explore and analyse the impact of trauma across systemic, personal, cultural, historical and community experiences of trauma. Students will develop and implement practice skills in assessing trauma, avoiding retraumatisation, designing care plans, and fostering safety and self-determination.

Students will examine the application of trauma informed practice across multiple fields of practice including: social justice, domestic and family violence prevention, homelessness, medical and mental health contexts, disability services, child safety, and culturally safe and competent practice. Students will integrate trauma informed practice with theoretical perspectives and practice models covered through subjects in years one and two, to develop a rich and robust professional practice framework and skillset. Specifically, students will focus on the role of power, oppression, privilege, policy design, and how ethical practice informs trauma informed service delivery.

This subject will outline the key principles of trauma informed care, these being: creating safety trust, choice, collaboration, and self-determination in practice settings. Students will also critically reflect on professional, and personal and vicarious responses to trauma, and ways in which self-awareness, self-care, professional development, can assist with personal (and community) resilience and sustained practice in trauma settings.