The Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) was created in December 2015 by representatives from diverse sectors, including education, mental health, justice, civil society, and government. Since then, CTIPP has informed and advocated for public policies and practices that incorporate scientific findings on the relationship between trauma, health, and well-being across the lifespan.
We also work to dismantle oppression – including but not limited to racism, classism, sexism, transphobia/homophobia, and ableism – to develop trauma-informed, healing-centered policies and practices that promote healthy and resilient communities.
In our brief history, CTIPP has made considerable strides in the trauma-informed movement. When we began, there were no mentions of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Congressional appropriation bills, and as of 2022, there are now over 30 programs funded to address trauma and ACEs.
Our National Trauma Campaign has members in all 50 states, and this organic momentum occurred with volunteers and no dedicated funding. Our Community Advocacy Network calls also reach hundreds of practitioners each month to continue to spread new information about the trauma-informed movement.
2015
Convened the first meeting to develop CTIPP
2016
Drafted a concept paper (authored by Susan Salasin, Andy Blanch, and Sandra Bloom) for a national organization whose goal would be to advocate for local, statewide and national policies aligned with an understanding of the impact of violence and trauma as a major public health problem facing the country
Finalized the name, mission, goals, logic model, by-laws, and website
Formed a Board of Directors and Advisory Board to reflect the diverse interests, voices, and concerns around the issues of trauma, adversity, and resilience
Released: Building a Trauma-Informed Society (Dan Press)
2017
Officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization
Made recommendations to Senators Heitkamp, Durbin, and Franken bill
Hosted Congressional briefings on trauma-informed services, epigenetics, and communities
Devised a student engagement strategy and survey
Developed partnership agreements with stakeholders
Launched webinars and CTIPP-CAN (Community Advocacy Network) meetings
Released Advocacy Tips and The Science of Childhood Trauma as a Driver of Chronic Illnesses
Released Trauma-Informed Approaches Need to be Part of a Comprehensive Strategy for Addressing the Opioid Epidemic
Released A Template for Trauma-Informed Advocacy to assist non-lobbyists in the methodology and importance of advocacy (Dan Press)
2018
Supported Congressional resolution for the development of a Trauma-Informed Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives
Supported the Congressional work of Reps. Gallagher and Davis by reviewing and adding insights to develop HR 443, a trauma-informed resolution that passed in February with unanimous bipartisan support in the House
A companion resolution was prepared by Senators Heitkamp and Johnson, SR 346, and passed in May
CTIPP board members were integral advisors on both resolutions and also supported the development of the Trauma-Informed Care Caucus
Released CTIPP Position on Evidence-Supported Practices and Policies
Released Information Bulletin: Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice
Released Working for Healthy, Just, and Resilient Communities
2019
Held Board nominations and elected new members
Received the Distinguished Service Award of the American Psychiatric Association, given for meritorious service to the field of psychiatry
Supported IRTC call to action on climate change and released related policy endorsements
Collaborated with a group of students from the Bryn Mawr School of Social Work to clarify and further develop an organizational structure
Co-sponsored the Center for Hunger-Free Communities research brief: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Household Food Insecurity
Proposed Beyond ACEs: A Public Will-Building Campaign to Catalyze Social Transformation
Released Information Bulletin: Community Advocacy Network (CTIPP-CAN)
Released Legislative Vision for Reducing the Causes and Effects of Childhood Trauma
2020
Launched quarterly coordination meetings with stakeholders in partnership with PACES Connection
Launched National Trauma Campaign with Child Trauma and ACEs Policy (CTAP) and recruited advocates from all fifty states
Developed COVID-19 and House Caucus Ask toolkits
Developed and distributed a Biden-Harris first 100 days’ priorities stakeholder/coalition letter
Created anti-racism survey and changed wording and emphasis in mission and website based on survey and committee recommendations; released statement/policy on racism
Supported ITRC's campaign to enact new climate change-related mental wellness and resiliency policies
2021
Awarded first-ever grants from the Winer Family Foundation and the Burke Foundation to support operations and organizational growth
Reached out to Congressional offices and the Biden-Harris Administration on several matters, including a Trauma-Informed Agenda for the First 100 Days memo, Trauma-Informed Approach to Vaccine Fear piece, and suggestions for the RISE from Trauma Act
Coordinated statewide regional coordinator meetings, coalitions for trauma-informed first spouses and state legislators, an eight-part workshop series, a podcast, and an early childhood education workshop and toolkit
2022
Co-hosted the workshop series, "Building a National Movement to Prevent Trauma and Foster Resilience"
Onboarded our first-ever full-time staff
Supported the development and launch of #WeHealUS, a campaign to highlight trauma-informed organizations, programs, and projects to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month in May
Launched a new website, advocacy modules, and the monthly newsletter "Transform Trauma"
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