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

Sanctuary consultant Aaron James, conducted the “Train the Trainer” conference, which provided a team of employees with an in-depth overview of the trauma informed care model, direct staff care practices, the importance of community meetings, module presentations, facilitator and adult learner styles, teach backs, and strategies for holding successful training sessions.

YSD’s new team of trainers will supplement the existing Highridge Family Center training team, allowing for great diversity and social responsibility. Members of the training team will help new employees and provide the foundational training in various modules of the trauma informed care model. Additionally, they will conduct booster trainings for sections of YSD as more complex components of the model or various tools are implemented during the certification process.
Becoming Sanctuary Institute certified reinforces YSD’s commitment to the standards of a trauma informed care environment for clients and employees. The Sanctuary Institute will provide direct support to the department by providing trauma-responsive practices across all department operations.​