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Building Trauma-Informed Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) and Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHYTTAC) are pleased to announce the release of a comprehensive interactive learning module series, Building Trauma-Informed Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Programs. This two-part, online module series is designed to support RHY grantees and all youth-serving agencies in adopting a universal, trauma-informed approach to serving youth experiencing unsafe or unstable living situations, homeless youth, and youth who are at risk of becoming homeless.

Module One: Understanding Trauma and Its Effects, helps programs build a shared understanding of trauma and its impact on youth. The module is designed to help all staff identify the types of experiences that can be traumatic for youth, understand how the brain and body respond to stress and trauma, recognize the effects of trauma on youth and service providers, and apply trauma concepts to daily practice.

Module Two: Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach, builds on the learning from the first module and provides leaders and staff with a framework and strategies for building a trauma-informed program by building a trauma-informed workforce, establishing trusting relationships with youth, creating safe and respectful service environments, fostering trauma-informed service delivery, and promoting trauma-informed policies and procedures. 

Staff of youth-serving agencies are encouraged to view the modules together as part of their ongoing professional development. Each module includes downloadable handouts, such as checklists, worksheets, practice guides, and discussion questions for supporting staff in applying concepts to daily practice, along with a facilitation guide with suggestions for how to use the module and companion materials for in-person group training. 

The Building Trauma-Informed Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs module series is available for public access via the following links:

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If you have any questions, please email the RHYTTAC team at [email protected].