NCJ Number
211702
Editor(s)
Ann Jennings Ph.D.
Date Published
2004
Length
136 pages
Annotation
This technical report presents evidence of the consequences of violence and trauma in order to inform State mental health officials and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the need to transform health care systems in the United States to recognize and address trauma.
Abstract
Trauma is a serious public health threat that must be addressed at the policy, practice, and education levels in order to assist in the recovery of traumatized individuals. This report serves as a guide to those planning the transformation of their mental health systems by offering practical recommendations, databased information, and descriptions of existing trauma-related practices. The advice and recommendations presented adhere to the goals and recommendations of the President's New Freedom Commission Final Report entitled, Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America, as well as the principles and programs of the SAMHSA Priorities Matrix. The report has a unique organization: priority issues are identified and briefly described, followed by a series of bulleted facts, discussion points, and recommendations for each issue. Issues include substance abuse treatment capacity, seclusion and restraint, prevention and early intervention, children and families, serious medical problems and health risks, and criminal justice, among many others. Following the series of facts and discussion points on each issue is a series of recommendations, also presented in bulleted format, as well as a listing of references for further study on the topic. Appendixes offer a toolkit to assist policymakers and practitioners in the transformation of their mental health treatment systems. Included in the toolkit is a State-by-State listing of resources for State and local policymakers.