The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department held a three-day training for employees as part of its pursuit of department-wide certification in the trauma informed care model by the Sanctuary Institute.

The training provided participants the chance to attend in-person sessions for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. CDC and county guidelines, including wearing of facial covers, maintaining a distance of six feet and proper hygiene measures, were required for those attending. Employees who were unable to attend in person had the option of participating virtually via Zoom Video.

Employees began each session with a “community meeting" where they took turns asking one another three questions: “How are you feeling? What is your goal for today? Who can you ask for help?" Sanctuary trainers then led presentations and activities to introduce staff to a variety of the Sanctuary standards and common practices, provided assessments, and discussed the implementation process. Virtual attendees entered into smaller break-out rooms via Zoom Video to ensure their training experience mirrored those attending in person.

Becoming Sanctuary certified reinforces the department's commitment to the standards of a trauma informed care environment for clients and employees. During the two-and-a-half-year certification process, the Sanctuary Institute will provide direct support to the Youth Services Department by providing trauma-responsive practices across all department operations. The multi-tiered process includes staff focused engagement and building organizational culture, application of standards of sanctuary practice including the seven commitments and SELF (safety, emotions, loss, future), creation of a core team and introduce tools to maintain Sanctuary standards.  ​