Across Somerset, practitioners are increasingly recognising that trauma is part of many children and families’ lived experiences. Trauma informed practice helps us to understand this reality and respond in ways that promote safety, trust, and resilience rather than causing further harm.
Somerset’s approach is grounded in shared principles: safety, trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment, and inclusion – enabling practitioners across agencies to work in a consistent, compassionate way.
But what does this look like in practice?
Listening Changes Outcomes: J’s Story
For J (aged 16), years of placement breakdowns had eroded his sense of safety and trust. The initial plan to move him into semi-independent living reflected a service-led response, rather than considering his emotional readiness.
A trauma-informed Family Group Conference changed this.
By prioritising choice, transparency and emotional safety, J was given control over his involvement. When he felt safe enough to speak, he clearly shared that he did not feel ready to live independently and wanted to remain within his family network.
That moment mattered, and resulted in the following:
- His voice directly changed the plan
- A premature move was avoided
- A family-led, sustainable solution emerged
The outcome wasn’t just participation – it was impact.
Being heard led to a better plan, stronger relationships, and greater stability.
Understanding Behaviour as Communication: F’s Story
For F (aged 8), uncertainty about potential future moves triggered anxiety, fear, and changes in behaviour. Early sharing of plans, without careful preparation left him feeling unsettled.
His foster carers, working alongside the wider team, used a trauma-informed approach to:
- Stay curious about behaviour, recognising anxiety rather than “challenging” conduct
- Provide consistent reassurance and clear communication
- Reduce uncertainty by explaining what would happen and when
They also understood that trauma shows up in subtle ways – increased anxiety at night, difficulty with transitions, and heightened need for reassurance.
Through empathic listening, predictable care, and attuned responses, F remained settled and emotionally supported during a period of uncertainty.
This is trauma-informed practice in action: not removing the challenge, but strengthening the support around the child to help them manage it safely.
Strengths, Not Symptoms: Child R’s Story
Child R, living with Special Guardians while experiencing significant family adversity, began engaging with imaginary friends. Rather than labelling this as problematic, practitioners viewed it through a trauma-informed lens – as a coping strategy linked to anxiety and grief. By reframing this, it resulted in the following:
- The behaviour was recognised as communication, not defiance
- Strengths (creativity and imagination) were actively harnessed in learning
- A consistent, multi-agency approach provided stability and predictability
Work across school, family, and professionals focused on:
- Creating safe, predictable environments
- Maintaining honest and transparent communication
- Supporting choice and gradual transitions
- Building confidence for both the child and carers
The impact was clear:
- Reduced anxiety and improved emotional stability
- Increased engagement and self-esteem
- Greater confidence in carers and professionals
One Special Guardian shared at a home visit:
“Sometimes it’s just knowing someone is there who gets what’s going on, your support has been invaluable.”
Why This Matters for Somerset Practitioners
This work highlights how embedding Somerset’s trauma informed principles, alongside systemic practice, can create a cohesive network of support that prioritises emotional safety, strengthens relationships, and promotes resilience for children experiencing complex loss and change.
Across Somerset, our ambition is a workforce that can:
- Recognise the impact of trauma and adversity
- Respond in ways that support recovery and avoid re-traumatisation
- Work collaboratively with families to build sustainable change
When we get this right:
- Practitioners are more confident and effective in their roles
- Children feel safer, more understood, and more connected
- Families are empowered to be part of the solution
- Plans are more realistic, relational, and sustainable