Compassionate Champions ceremony to be held May 17

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney on Friday previewed the events occurring in May 2023 during the 5th Annual Trauma Awareness Month in the State of Delaware, hosted by the Family Services Cabinet Council (FSCC) and Trauma Matters Delaware (TMD).

In 2018, Governor Carney issued Executive Order 24 prioritizing efforts for Delaware to become a trauma informed state and incorporating Trauma Awareness Month as a key initiative.

“Trauma Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to engage with our community and learn how to prevent and interrupt cycles of trauma, especially for our children,” said Governor Carney. “A lot has changed since we first recognized Trauma Awareness Month in 2018 and we are grateful to recognize Trauma Awareness Month in Delaware for the fifth year, this year. We thank Trauma Matters Delaware and the many organizations, state agencies, and individuals who are working hard to make Delaware a more trauma-informed state.”

“With this kind of work, which has generational as well as short-term goals, it can be easy to focus on how far there is to go. But on this fifth anniversary of Trauma Awareness Month, it’s also worth remembering how far we’ve come, thanks to so many partners working together in our state,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney. “It’s an inspiring, collaborative, and essential fight for the future.”

The FSCC and TMD are highlighting a variety of events throughout May, including webinars, movie screenings, and a theme night at a Wilmington Blue Rocks game. Events begin April 25 and run throughout the month of May. A few events include:

• April 28, 2023 –Trauma Awareness theme night at the Wilmington Blue Rocks – 5:35 p.m.
• April 29, 2023– Conference on Moving From Trauma-Aware to Trauma Informed – 9 a.m. at Delaware State University’s MLK Student Center
• May 6, 2023– Film screening of Mister Rogers & Me –  Additional information will be shared on the TMD event calendar
• May 10, 2023– Conversation on “Gun Violence 101” – Online webinar
• May 17, 2023 – Compassionate Champions Award Presentation – Wilmington University’s Dover Campus

The purpose of the Compassionate Champion Award is to recognize outstanding achievement by both individuals and organizations in providing trauma-informed services. Awardees will be recognized from government, community organizations, first responders, education, health care, and other organizations. This year will include the inaugural First Chance award which will go to an outstanding youth from Delaware.

The FSCC and TMD encourage Delaware community organizations to add their own Trauma Awareness Month events to the TMD event calendar. To have events published on TMD’s Trauma Awareness Month calendar, please complete this form.

“We are excited for the fifth-annual Trauma Awareness Month to kick off. This year will include virtual and in-person events, and most importantly, a platform for information-sharing about trauma awareness,” said Erin Mitchell, Executive Director of Trauma Matters Delaware. “After living through a global pandemic, we know mental health is at the front of people’s minds. At Trauma Matters Delaware, our vision is that all people can feel safe, grow beyond adversity and thrive.”

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

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Series of events and trainings offered statewide

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed a proclamation declaring May 2022 as Trauma Awareness Month to recognize efforts of trauma-informed practices across the State of Delaware. 

View proclamation signing video on Governor Carney’s YouTube Channel.

“Trauma Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to engage with our community and learn how to prevent and interrupt cycles of trauma, especially for our children,” said Governor Carney. “A lot has changed since we first recognized Trauma Awareness Month in 2018, and we continue to deal with the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on all of us. But we have a lot of great work happening across our state to address these experiences in an effort to improve lives for Delaware children and families. We thank Trauma Matters Delaware and the many organizations, state agencies, and individuals who are working hard to make Delaware a more trauma-informed state.”

This year, Trauma Awareness Month includes a series of educational webinars and recognition of the Compassionate Champion Awards recipients. Trauma Awareness Month is co-sponsored by the Family Services Cabinet Council (FSCC) and Trauma Matters Delaware (TMD). 

“It might not sound like it as a first impression, but Trauma Awareness Month is actually about good news,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney. “We’ve learned so much —from brain science and long-term studies, and from listening to each other. Knowing now, as we do, that every contact with a child can leave a mark – for good or for ill – all of us can be part of positive experiences for children that provide a buffer against long-lasting impacts of trauma.”

The Family Services Cabinet Council and TMD are highlighting a variety of virtual events throughout May, including facilitated webinars each week for Delawareans to learn about the current state of trauma in Delaware and trauma-related topics. 

• May 11, 2022 – TMD’s Coffee and Conversations Event – 12:30 p.m. –  public webinar
• May 12, 2022 – Trauma-informed leadership Presentation – 12:00 p.m. – public webinar
• May 18, 2022 – Resilience & Self-Care Panel Discussion –  12:30 p.m.  – public webinar
• May 25, 2022 – TMD’s Community Healing Event – Additional information will be shared on the TMD event calendar

The FSCC and TMD encourage Delaware community organizations to add their own Trauma Awareness Month events to the TMD event calendar. To have events published on TMD’s Trauma Awareness Month calendar, please complete this form.

“While I am excited to experience my first Trauma Awareness Month with everyone across the state, I am equally as thrilled to have our young people and individuals that work with our youth and teens own the spotlight this May,” said Erin Mitchell, Executive Director of Trauma Matters Delaware. “After a tough two years, we have a responsibility to respond to the changing needs of our youth. At Trauma Matters Delaware, our vision is that all people can feel safe, grow beyond adversity and thrive.”

On October 17, 2018, Governor John Carney signed Executive Order 24 to make Delaware a trauma-informed state and to address the impact of trauma at different points in a person’s life. The Executive Order also charged the FSCC with promoting May as “Trauma Awareness Month,” and publicizing events throughout the state. 

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

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Nomination forms accepted through April 29

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced the 2022 Compassionate Champion Awards nomination form is now available. 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 nomination period closes at 5:00 p.m. on April 29, 2022. Winners and a recognition event will be announced at a later date.

Click here to access the nomination form.

“From students to families to workers, we’ve all been impacted by the pandemic in some way, and we must continue to address the impact of this trauma,” said Governor Carney. “That’s why we are recognizing the important work of those who continue to serve their neighbors through a trauma-informed approach so that we can continue to heal. I encourage Delawareans and organizations to submit nomination forms, and I look forward to recognizing the incredible work taking place across Delaware.”

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 award categories include:

• Government – Agency, division, team, workgroup, or individuals of State of Delaware, county, or municipal governmental agencies/organizations.
• Community Organizations – Non-profit or for-profit organizations providing support services to individuals, families, and communities. For example, this category includes faith-based organizations, organizations serving individuals with disabilities, homeless services, veteran services, elderly, and crisis intervention.
• First Responders – Organizations such as fire, law enforcement, Victim Services and EMT.
• Education (P-20) – Universities, colleges, school districts, schools, early childhood centers, daycare centers, and other educational institutions.
• Health Care – Includes agencies, providers, hospitals, or individuals providing trauma-informed care to service recipients.
• Other – Organizations that may not fit within the categories above.

Any individual, community partner, first responder, educational institution, state agency or other organization providing services to Delaware’s citizens within the State of Delaware is eligible for nomination. Applicants may nominate themselves or another individual or organization. 

Click here to nominate yourself, an individual, or an organization by April 29 at 5:00 p.m.

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.

Click here for the list of 2021 Compassionate Champion Award winners.

Watch the 2021 Compassionate Champion Awards Ceremony.

Questions about the 2022 Compassionate Champion Award can be directed to fscc@delaware.gov.

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Program recognizes individuals, organizations providing trauma-informed services

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday announced nominations are now open for the Compassionate Champion Award, the State of Delaware’s trauma-informed care recognition program that highlights outstanding achievement by individuals and organizations that provide trauma-informed services. Nomination forms are available online until midnight on June 30, 2020.

View nomination form.

“We know that folks are experiencing trauma, and we need to continue doing everything we can to support children and families in Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “We have many dedicated workers across the state who serve their fellow Delawareans, and who have been leaders and advocates in the trauma-informed approach. We thank them for their compassion, leadership and commitment to our state and our citizens, and I look forward to again formally recognizing these efforts that help build a stronger and healthier state.”

View videos of 2019 Compassionate Champion Award winners.

The Compassionate Champion Award recognizes individuals or teams in government, non-profit and private organizations, first responder professions, education, and other agencies that have taken steps toward providing services in a manner consistent with trauma-informed care criteria in the Delaware Developmental Framework for Trauma Informed Care, a document that outlines best practices for trauma-informed care. The Framework was adapted from the Missouri Model of trauma-informed care, and was produced in collaboration by the Family Services Cabinet Council ACEs Subcommittee and the Compassionate Connections Partnership.

Since 2018, the Family Services Cabinet Council has worked to implement Executive Order #24, which launched efforts to make Delaware a trauma-informed state. The Family Services Cabinet Council released in November 2019 a Trauma-Informed Care Progress Report and Action Plan for State of Delaware agencies. The plan serves as a progress report of each agency’s work to implement Executive Order #24, which tasked the Family Services Cabinet Council to lead efforts to make Delaware a trauma-informed state. Other initiatives from the Family Service Cabinet Council include the Wilmington Group Violence Intervention Project, and the creation of the Dual Generation Center at Stubbs to improve the delivery of job-related services, and services for Wilmington children. The Family Services Cabinet Council – a cabinet-level group reestablished by Governor Carney in February 2017 to coordinate public and private services for Delaware families.

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Governor Carney’s Executive Order 24 directed state agencies to focus on impact of trauma

WILMINGTON, Del. – Delaware will expand its supports for children who have experienced academic, social, and behavioral health challenges as a result of exposure to trauma and toxic stress thanks to a new federal grant. Governor John Carney announced on Monday that Delaware will receive almost $7.5 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Education’s Trauma Recovery Demonstration Project Grant Program.

Delaware’s project aims to strengthen collaborations among families, schools and mental health service providers.

“We know that many Delaware children arrive at school each day with their own unique challenges. In many cases, that includes exposure to trauma,” said Governor Carney. “It’s our job to help those children cope with the effects of trauma, so they can focus on learning in the classroom. This grant will help us connect families, school leaders, and health providers to make sure that Delaware children are receiving the best services possible.”

Through the grant, the Delaware Department of Education will:

• Increase screening for a larger population of students to identify those experiencing trauma;
• Augment immediately available support services for identified children;
• Strengthen partnerships with agencies that can provide additional short- and long-term services for referred students; and
• Enhance understanding by teachers, staff and providers about signs and symptoms of trauma and the broader adoption of trauma-informed approach.

This new grant will build upon work already underway in the First State to support trauma-informed practices in schools, state agencies and other providers across Delaware. “We must support parents and families in understanding mental health challenges and delivery systems so they can be informed consumers on behalf of their children,” said Susan Bunting, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education.

“We believe that this grant will have a significant positive impact on the learning outcomes of our students and will add to the evidence base around the effective trauma sensitive strategies in schools,” said Stephanie Ingram, President of the Delaware State Education Association. “The mental health and social services assistance provided by this grant will help in developing resilient, engaged, and academically successful students while also providing safe, stable, and supportive school environments.”

In October 2018, Governor Carney signed Executive Order 24, directing the Family Services Cabinet Council to help mitigate the impact of adverse childhood experiences and build resilience in children, adults and communities.

The Family Services Cabinet Council is working to identify gaps in available services along the prevention and early intervention-treatment continuum for children and their caregivers statewide. Its members also are charged with developing a comprehensive plan focused on early intervention for children and their caregivers exposed to adverse childhood experiences in order to help prevent abuse and neglect.

Governor Carney also worked with the General Assembly to pass a three-year, $75 million Opportunity Funding program that will support students from low-income families, and English learners. The Opportunity Funding package sets aside $15 million for additional mental health and reading supports in Delaware schools.

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Related news:

Governor Carney Announces Trauma-Informed Initiatives

Details: Opportunity Funding Initiative

Delaware Continues Focus on Trauma-Informed Practices

Governor Carney Signs Executive Order Making Delaware a Trauma-Informed State

Governor Carney Announces Family Services Cabinet Council Summer Initiative

Delaware Receives UPenn Technical Assistance Grant to Develop Integrated Data System

Governor Carney, First Lady, Casey Family Programs Announce “First Chance Delaware”

In Partnership with Wilmington University, DHSS Begins Yearlong Initiative to Train 1,000 Staff Members in Trauma-Informed Approaches

Governor Carney Reestablishes the Family Services Cabinet Council