Last week, Judge Stacy Ross hosted a training session in her courtroom entitled “Trauma Informed Care in the Legal Community,” and presented by Alexandra Stark LMHC, CAP, NCC and April Brownlee LMHC, MCAP, NCC, both experts in the field and employed by PACE Center for Girls.
The training was open to all court personnel with the purpose of educating on trauma-informed courts, with a focus on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and the negative effects of ACES. The participants included judicial assistants, court deputies, clerks, lawyers, and case managers.
“Many of those who enter our court system have experienced trauma in their lives, so approaching everyone with a trauma-informed lens actually enhances the legal process. Several of the judges in family court have participated in trauma-informed care courses, however, it is important that ALL court personnel are familiar with and understand how trauma may affect individuals,” said Judge Ross.
