First State Times

https://news.delaware.gov/files/2023/05/General-Releases-10-1536x864.jpg 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney on Wednesday announced the 2023 Compassionate Champion Awardees. The Compassionate Champion Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and educational institutions across the State of Delaware that provide trauma-informed services in a manner consistent with the Delaware Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed Care.

“The Compassionate Champions have been an important part of recognizing Trauma Awareness Month in our state over the past several years. The ceremony allows us to identify and understand how trauma affects so many people and industries in our state, and how individuals and organizations are serving their communities with trauma-informed approaches,” said Governor Carney. “I am impressed by all of the applicants and congratulations to those recognized for their incredible work taking place across the First State. We look forward to honoring you in person.”

The Compassionate Champion Award highlights individuals or teams in government, non-profit and private organizations, first responder professions, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and other agencies that have taken steps toward providing services in a manner consistent with trauma-informed care. 

The 2023 awardees include:

Government – Susan Conley, Delaware Department of Corrections

Community Organizations – Interdenominational Minister’s Action Council, Bishop George Gibson

Education (P-20) – Milford School District, Kevin Dickerson and Dr. Brittany Hazzard

Health Care – Courageous Hearts LLC, Rosemary Baughman

In 2018, the Family Services Cabinet Council implemented Executive Order #24, which launched efforts to make Delaware a trauma-informed state. As part of this initiative, Delaware is committed to ensuring all environments that serve children and adults in the state are working to embody practices of trauma-informed care. 

Based on the Delaware Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed Care, trauma-informed care includes:

Creating respectful, sensitive, and culturally competent environments;

Implementing evidence-based trauma-informed principles and practices that address the effects associated with trauma;

Developing a common language and framework for dialogue and discussion to enhance communication and progress along the continuum of trauma-informed care; and

Increasing the effectiveness and responsiveness of all services and assistance provided to Delawareans, especially children and adults who have experienced traumatic circumstances.

For more information about Trauma Awareness Month events and registration, visit traumamattersdelaware.org/trauma-awareness-month.

Original source can be found here.