Description
ATN’s Certification Program
Purpose
ATN’s Certification Program is rooted in our overall mission to promote healing of children impacted by trauma through their families, schools and communities. Establishing and furthering a baseline of knowledge about how trauma impacts a child’s development is a crucial step in the overall promotion of supporting and healing children and educating and empowering the adults who work with them and love them. ATN has frequently been asked by so many individuals and organizations about whether we could certify and/or instruct them in the basics of trauma-informed care that this program is a response to that frequent request.
Audience
As we explain below, the plan is for ATN’s Certification to have three Levels. The first level – Trauma-Informed Certification has the broadest audience and is designed to reach the broadest of audiences. It is rooted in the 4 trauma-informed assumptions defined by SAMHSA and focused on the impact of trauma on children, although it encompasses how trauma impacts all human brains and nervous systems. The goal is to be able to use this certification as an entry-level credential for a wide variety of people. The audiences we hope this targets well include parents/caregivers; social workers and child welfare professionals; educators and everyone who works in schools; juvenile justice system (court personnel, CASAs); early childhood professionals; those working with children through youth, non-profit, and faith-based organizations.
Because many in ATN’s network are highly knowledgeable about trauma-informed care, the Level 1 certification will have a test-out option. We want those who are well-versed in this work and leading the movement to join us in this credential.
Future levels will be targeted to those furthering their trauma-informed knowledge and working toward being trauma-sensitive and trauma-responsive as defined below.
Defining Levels
There will eventually be three levels of certification corresponding with Trauma-Informed, Trauma-Sensitive & Trauma-Responsive. Level 1: Trauma-Informed Care, will be launching by summer 2024. The entire Level 1 program will be on-line (curriculum and testing) with certification badges and documents to share your new credentials. Level 1 will be Trauma-Sensitive Certification and Level 3 will be Trauma-Responsive Organization Certification. Check out the definitions below.
Email [email protected] with any questions.
