Trauma Informed Courts

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Trauma-Informed Care and Building a Trauma-Responsive Court

On November 16, 2023, I (Dr. D’Arienzo) had the pleasure of presenting about Toxic Stress, Child Development, Trauma Informed Care, Building Trauma Responsive Courts, and Fostering Resilience for Attorneys and Children and Family Law Clients. I was fortunate to partner with the Honorable Judge Guy and Attorneys Ms. Dyvonnda Thurston and Ms. Sarah Sullivan. Two of my associates, Ms. Cynthia Salameh, Attorney and Parent Coordinator, and Dr. Amy Hartley, Psychologist, came to support my presentations and this Florida Bar Family Law Section Office of the State Courts Administrator (OSCA) event. We enjoyed mingling and offering our expertise to the 50 attorneys and judges who participated. I would like to thank Judge Maureen Horkan for inviting me to present!

Trauma Informed and Responsive Courts 

Family law courts are often the scene of highly emotional and stressful proceedings. These proceedings can be especially difficult for individuals who have experienced trauma. Approximately 60% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. For these individuals, the stress and adversarial nature of family law proceedings can trigger trauma symptoms, making it difficult to participate effectively in their cases.

A trauma-informed approach to family law can help to create a more supportive and healing environment for those who have experienced trauma. This approach is based on the understanding that trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning.

Here are some of the key principles of a trauma-informed approach to family law:

• Recognize the prevalence of trauma.

• Understand the impact of trauma on individuals and families.

• Create a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

• Provide trauma-specific services and interventions.

• Empower individuals and families to make informed decisions.

There are many benefits to adopting a trauma-informed approach to family law.

• Improved outcomes for families.

• Reduced stress and trauma symptoms.

• Increased participation in proceedings.

• Improved communication and collaboration.

• Reduced costs to the legal system.

Here are some specific examples of how a trauma-informed approach can be implemented in family law courts:

• Providing trauma-specific training for judges, attorneys, and court staff.

• Creating a calming and welcoming environment in courtrooms and waiting areas.

• Using clear and concise language.

• Avoiding victim-blaming language.

• Providing opportunities for breaks and relaxation.

• Offering mental health services on-site.

• Connecting families with community resources.

Implementing a trauma-informed approach to family law is a complex undertaking, but it is one that is essential to ensuring that all individuals involved in the legal system are treated with dignity and respect. By creating a more supportive and healing environment, we can help to improve the lives of those who have experienced trauma and promote positive outcomes for families.

Here are some resources for more information about trauma-informed family law:

• • The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ): https://www.ncjfcj.org/

  • The Trauma-Informed Care Hub: https://traumainformedcertificateprogram.com/

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/

  • D’Arienzo Psychology: Trauma informed social investigators, clinial and forensic psychologists, parenting coordinators, and reunification therapists. https://www.drdarienzo.com 
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