The Probation Department’s four-day Level 2 Trauma Training aims to equip participants with practical tools to create safe and supportive environments for trauma survivors.
The training, sponsored by The Maria Holder Trust, is the second component of an 18-month programme entitled “Pruning the Root – Comprehensive Trauma Training for Criminal Justice Professionals Engaging Youth Caregiver Treatment Group”.
During the opening ceremony today, at Hodgson Hall, St. Ann’s Fort, Acting Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Angela Dixon, explained that the training is also aimed at bringing change to the way government officers approach trauma within the criminal justice system.
“In Level One, Dr. Beausejour established the core principles of trauma-informed care, during which time she began to shift our thinking toward a more compassionate approach. Over the course of the week, you will delve deeper into applying these principles in your daily work, moving from theory to practice.
“The goal is to equip you with the practical tools that will allow you to create environments of safety and support for individuals affected by trauma. By turning knowledge into meaningful action, you will strengthen your ability to respond to trauma,” Ms. Dixon stated.
Clinical Therapist, Dr. Tessa Beausejour, who is conducting the training, pointed out that in the Level One training, she laid the foundation around adverse childhood experiences and trauma, and the subsequent showing up of such individuals in probation and juvenile delinquent departments.
“So, I am very excited about this level two because we will be applying all of the strategies that I hinted at in trauma one, where you will get to experiment them with yourselves because you are the tool that’s being used….
“And so, what we’re going to be doing … is that we’re going to be having you work with your own system, because … a lot of times in this work, you face your own vicarious trauma, and so working with yourselves and then being able to apply the strategies and techniques is going to be very, very key. So, we’re going to work together in a safe environment, in dyads and triads to be able to bring about this work,” she said.
Ms. Dixon and Dr. Beausejour thanked the Maria Holder Memorial Trust for sponsoring the four-day training.
Project Manager of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, Modupe Sodeyi-Boadu, said the Trust was pleased to be a sponsor of the training, which she believes will be “critical” in providing practical strategies to manage the behavioural and emotional impact of trauma, especially in children.
Ms. Sodeyi-Boadu noted: “When The Trust was approached regarding funding for this type of training, we encouraged the communication because we understand there is an intrinsic link between some of the behaviours we see among our youth in the juvenile justice system and the strategies professionals can use, to avoid not only reoffending but re-traumatising youth…. The ultimate aim is to see that all professionals in the criminal justice system receive this training so effective solutions can be based on sound scientific evidence.”
The training also comprises a caregiver treatment group for parents of children who have experienced trauma, which has been funded by the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust.
Participants receiving the Level 2 Trauma training include officers from the Barbados Probation Service, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Government Industrial School, and the Psychiatric Hospital.