The Human Services Department in San Antonio has enhanced its approach to supporting residents affected by trauma by earning a Level 1 Foundational Trauma-Informed Care Organizational Certification. This achievement represents a key advancement in the city's efforts to address community needs.
The City of San Antonio's announcement states that the certification reflects the department's commitment to fostering understanding and support for residents who have experienced trauma. It highlights a dedication to principles like safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, which form the foundation of a system aimed at strengthening community resilience.
San Antonio's efforts have been recognized, as the Department of Human Services becomes the third city department to receive this distinction. As the city manager Erik Walsh put it, "The Level 1 Certification is a testament to the City’s commitment in serving our community," he said in a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio. His gratitude went out to all those involved, highlighting the training and tools provided to employees meant to enhance service delivery to residents.
The process was comprehensive, involving an organizational assessment, staff training, and the development of mentorship programs. Site visits were conducted at various community and administrative centers to ensure that trauma-informed care was implemented as a practical approach, not just a certification. "This achievement reflects our dedication to understanding the impact of trauma on our program participants and employees to better inform our practices," Melody Woosley, Director of the Human Services Department, told the City of San Antonio.
Behind this effort is The Ecumenical Center, the entity responsible for the certification for the South Texas Trauma-Informed Care Consortium. Their President and CEO Mary Beth Fisk lauded the DHS's accomplishment, saying, "This recognition reflects Human Services’ commitment to fostering safety, trust and collaboration in their work with San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents," in a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio. The center identifies this as a step in the Department of Human Services' and the city's efforts to incorporate trauma-informed care into their public service framework.
