Step 5: Focus on Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

Trauma-Informed and Responsive (TIR) organizations should develop written processes for regularly assessing the design and implementation of policies, programs and/or practices to ensure they have the desired impact and align with the Guiding Principles.

TIR organizations should consider:

Identifying specific, desired outcomes and selecting methods for measuring success. These outcomes may include:



The extent to which the TIR initiatives have been adopted by the organization.



The impact adoption of the TIR initiatives has had on the quality of services provided.



Incorporating the voices of youth, families, and staff in developing and measuring desired outcomes, identifying challenges, and generating ideas for improvement.



Developing a system to collect and analyze data by race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other demographic information to uncover and address disparities.



Being ready to adapt policies, programs, or practices in large and small ways, based on feedback and data analysis.



Designating someone in the organization to be responsible for leading the implementation of the organization’s CQI efforts and defining a timetable.

Training staff involved in these CQI efforts on:



The importance of collecting accurate data and participating in other CQI efforts.



How the data and information from CQI processes is ultimately used within the organization.

For more information, see the Traumatic Stress Institute’s Measuring Trauma-Informed Care Series (February 2020).

Closeup woman hand holding the door bar to open the door with glass reflection background. For prevention Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Healthcare and disinfection concept.

Step 4: Design a Trauma-Informed Physical Environment

Use our resources & trainings to support your organization’s journey toward becoming more trauma-responsive. In addition, if you would like additional coaching implementing the principles and steps, please contact us.