Customer Awareness Response Effort (CARE)- Not for Ourselves Alone

Group of people sitting and talking at a trianing.The Challenge

Community members with trauma are not served by health and social service agencies alone. They seek services through several county and local agencies including the Library, Clerk-Recorder Office, Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Public Works, Central Services and many more. These departments are relied on to provide excellent customer service yet many have not received formal trainings on how to interact with individuals who are experiencing trauma. This leads to challenges for both staff members and the community members experiencing trauma. 

 

 

The SolutionLarge room of people sitting during a training presentation.

Offer trauma informed training to public agencies and programs in the County, focusing on how to interact with mental health clients within a customer service role, focusing on three main goals:

  • Build capacity and increase interagency collaboration to best serve the public.
  • Better help County staff understand trauma and how it impacts constituents, including its own employees.
  • Create a better, more informed and public engagement and customer service experience. 

 

The BenefitPeople interacting during a training exercise.

When an organization learns how to provide trauma-informed care, they educate the staff about the effects of violence, victimization and trauma on individuals. Their services allow clients to feel safe, be accepted and be understood by everyone who may come in contact with them. Employees also feel safe and supported.

 

 

Reference

For Your Department
Helpful Articles
Trauma-Informed Tools
CARE Workbook
Trauma Informed Monthly Newsletters

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