Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care in Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs: Significance and Resources for Grantees

Publication Date: January 12, 2021
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  • Published: 2021

Introduction

This brief provides information and resources on trauma-informed care (TIC) for staff of adolescent pregnancy prevention (APP) programs. The brief describes how a history of trauma can impact youth’s well-being and presents principles of trauma-informed care that APP staff can incorporate into their programming to meet the needs of youth with trauma histories. The brief also provides a tool for staff to assess their use of such care and a list of resources and organizations for those seeking more information.

Purpose

The brief provides information and resources for staff of adolescent pregnancy prevention programs related to trauma-informed care. Resources include a tool that programs can use to assess their use of trauma-informed care.

Key Findings and Highlights

Trauma is a common enough experience that youth attending adolescent pregnancy prevention programs are likely to have experienced it. Youth with histories of trauma are more likely to have unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, acquire a sexually transmitted infection, or become pregnant during adolescence. APP program staff can support the well-being of youth with trauma histories and help these youth engage with the curriculum by becoming trauma-informed and incorporating the principles of trauma-informed care into their programs. Three steps programs may take to incorporate trauma-informed care principles include:

  1. Create a foundation for trauma-informed care by fostering an ongoing commitment from program directors and managers to develop a trauma-informed culture and workforce.
  2. Build a calm, safe, and empowering environment for youth and program staff.
  3. Develop a response system that promotes safety and healing among youth and aligns with the policies of the organization.

Methods

Mathematica conducted a literature review on the significance of trauma for youth in adolescent pregnancy prevention programs and adapted an available tool to support programs with internal planning and assessment of their use of trauma-informed care.

Citation

Azur, Melissa and Heather Zaveri. (2020). “Trauma Informed Care in Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs: Significance and Resources for Grantees.” OPRE Report Number 2020-125. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.