What are the barriers to implementing trauma-informed care in community service?

1 Organizational culture

One of the barriers to implementing TIC in community service is the lack of a supportive and consistent organizational culture. TIC requires a shift in mindset, values, and practices that may not align with the existing norms, policies, and procedures of the organization. For example, some organizations may have a hierarchical, punitive, or rigid structure that does not foster trust, collaboration, or flexibility. To overcome this barrier, organizations need to engage in a process of self-assessment, reflection, and transformation that involves all levels of staff, from leadership to frontline workers. They also need to provide ongoing training, supervision, and feedback to promote TIC principles and practices.

2 Resource constraints

Another barrier to implementing TIC in community service is the lack of adequate resources, such as time, money, staff, and space. TIC can be seen as an additional burden or demand that adds to the already high workload, stress, and burnout of service providers. Moreover, some organizations may not have the financial capacity or the infrastructure to invest in TIC initiatives, such as hiring trauma specialists, creating safe and comfortable spaces, or offering flexible and holistic services. To overcome this barrier, organizations need to prioritize TIC as a strategic goal and allocate resources accordingly. They also need to seek external support and funding from partners, donors, or government agencies that can help them implement TIC.

3 Staff resistance

A third barrier to implementing TIC in community service is the resistance or reluctance of some staff members to adopt TIC. This can stem from various factors, such as lack of awareness, knowledge, or skills, fear of change, or personal trauma history. Some staff may feel threatened, defensive, or skeptical about TIC, especially if they perceive it as a criticism of their current practice or as a challenge to their professional identity or authority. To overcome this barrier, organizations need to create a culture of learning, openness, and respect that encourages staff to explore and embrace TIC. They also need to provide staff with opportunities to learn about TIC, share their experiences and concerns, and receive support and guidance.

4 Service user diversity

A fourth barrier to implementing TIC in community service is the diversity and complexity of service users' needs, preferences, and backgrounds. TIC requires a person-centered, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach that recognizes and respects the individuality and uniqueness of each service user. However, some service users may have multiple or intersecting traumas, such as abuse, violence, discrimination, or oppression, that require specialized or tailored interventions. Moreover, some service users may have different cultural beliefs, values, or practices that influence their understanding and expression of trauma and their expectations and acceptance of service. To overcome this barrier, organizations need to adopt a flexible, adaptive, and collaborative approach that involves service users in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of service. They also need to ensure that staff are culturally competent and sensitive to the diverse and dynamic needs of service users.

5 Systemic challenges

A fifth barrier to implementing TIC in community service is the systemic challenges and constraints that limit the scope and impact of TIC. TIC requires a coordinated, integrated, and comprehensive response that addresses the root causes and consequences of trauma at multiple levels, from individual to societal. However, some community service organizations may operate in isolation or in competition with other sectors, such as health, education, or justice, that have different goals, standards, or protocols. Moreover, some community service organizations may face external pressures or expectations from funders, regulators, or stakeholders that do not support or value TIC. To overcome this barrier, organizations need to advocate for and participate in cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary collaboration and networking that can enhance the quality and consistency of TIC. They also need to communicate and demonstrate the benefits and outcomes of TIC to their external partners and audiences.