Trauma-Informed Care

In a cultural and societal shift toward trauma awareness, The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois is infusing a trauma-informed approach across everything we do as we work to ensure every young person reaches their full potential.

Becoming a Trauma-Informed Organization

Trauma-informed practice is a strengths-based service delivery approach that is grounded in an understanding of the impact of trauma that emphasizes physical, mental, and emotional safety for youth, families, and staff. It creates opportunities for individuals to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment through safe, trusting, and supportive relationships and interventions. The approach is guided by 7 values – Safety, Trust, Awareness, Equity, Empowerment, Mutual Collaboration, and Connection & Growth.

About

The "Why"

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in the amount of mental health challenges that our youth are experiencing. According to the 2021 Mental Health Data from the CDC, 29% of students experience poor mental health, 22% of students have seriously considered attempting suicide, and 10% of students have attempted suicide. It is clearer now than ever that our young people need supportive environments, healthy meals, caring mentors, and resources. As a Boys & Girls Club, we can make an impact and we can pave the way for Great Futures.

Tracking Our Progress

Not only do we provide mental health and trauma-informed resources, we track our progress through surveys and data, and we make continuous improvements based on our results. Learn more about how we implement Trauma-Informed Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI):

- National Youth Outcomes Initiative (NYOI): Designed to measure Club Experience to demonstrate our Club’s impact on members and staff.
- Capacity Building Assessment Tool for Organizations (CBAT-O): Designed to help organizations assess their ability to provide trauma-informed services, and to identify strengths and areas of growth in trauma-informed care.
- Trauma-Informed Self-Assessment: Designed to gain valuable feedback from our team to learn about how they are feeling, opportunities for growth, and suggestions for improvement.

Resources We Offer

Members
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Sensory Spaces
- Enrichment-Based Programs like Social Emotional Learning
- Grief Counseling (select locations)
- Teen Support Groups (select locations)
Families
- Champion Fund
- Monthly Family Engagement Opportunities
Staff
- Champion Fund
- Monthly in-depth trainings to build confidence with intervening during times of emotional & mental crises
Organization-wide
- Behavior Support Handbook
- Standard Behavior Response Plan
- Emotional Support Plans

Trauma-Informed Partnership Spotlight

Our partnerships are incredibly important to us. Together, we can support our mission, and strengthen our communities. Check out some of our most active Trauma-Informed & Mental Health partnerships: