Link for Schools: A System to Prevent Trauma and Its Adverse Impacts

Abstract

School-age children experience trauma at alarming rates. Children’s ability to attend, concentrate, and participate in the educational process can be adversely impacted by trauma. How can school staff, especially school nurses, best listen, support, and encourage a student with trauma in their lives? Link for Schools is an evidence-informed intervention program that provides information and training for school staff. Link provides tools for listening or responding to a traumatized student with a focus on the principles of trauma-informed care, psychological first aid, and elements of motivational interviewing. Link-trained staff are better equipped to develop a relationship with a student, but future research is recommended to supports its evidence base.