This Open Educational Resource (OER) is a space for trauma-informed resources and information available for social work educators.

Trauma refers to difficult experiences that leave lasting marks (or wounds), whether they be physical or emotional. Research indicates that having traumatic experiences negatively impacts mental health (CDC, 2023; Felitti, 1998; Giano et al., 2020). There is a high prevalence of trauma among clients served by social service agencies (CDC, 2013; Felitti et al., 1998), particularly a history of childhood trauma (Knight, 2015; Levenson, 2020; Mersky et al., 2019). Results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium found that 70% of people worldwide have experienced at least one trauma (Benjet et al., 2015). Therefore, it is vital that social workers are trauma-informed.