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Trauma-informed public services

EDM (Early Day Motion) 1552: tabled on 04 September 2023

Tabled in the 2022-23 session.

This motion has been signed by 11 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted.

Motion text

That this House recognises that many organisations are implementing trauma-informed approaches, actively working to create a service where clients feel safe and empowered and won’t be re-traumatised; notes that many public services can inadvertently perpetuate trauma for vulnerable people they work with, given the nature of the services they provide and requirements for evidence or assessments to access specific support; acknowledges that the Government set out guidance in 2022 for a working definition of trauma-informed practice, which was a step in the right direction, based on the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration definition; supports the calls from many charities including the Mental Health Foundation, Chayn, and Agenda Alliance for trauma-informed services; and calls on all Government departments to commit to becoming a trauma-informed UK, to achieving a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive workforce throughout the UK, and to consistently review how trauma-informed approaches could be adopted consistently during policy development and by public facing services under their jurisdiction, particularly the Home Office in terms of policing, immigration, passport and licensing application processes, the Department for Work and Pensions in terms of the welfare system, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in terms of social housing and temporary accommodation policy and regulation.