2020 Maryland Statutes
Education
Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education
Title 7 - Public Schools
Subtitle 4 - Health and Safety of Students
Section 7-427.1 - Guidelines for Trauma-Informed Approach

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Trauma–informed approach” means a method for understanding and responding to an individual with symptoms of chronic interpersonal trauma or traumatic stress.

        (3)    “Trauma–informed school” means a school that:

            (i)    Acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and understands the potential paths for recovery;

            (ii)    Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in students, teachers, and staff;

            (iii)    Integrates information about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and

            (iv)    Actively resists retraumatizing a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma.

    (b)    (1)    The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Health and the Department of Human Services, shall develop guidelines on a trauma–informed approach that will assist schools with:

            (i)    Implementing a comprehensive trauma–informed policy at the school;

            (ii)    The identification of a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma;

            (iii)    The appropriate manner for responding to a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma;

            (iv)    For schools participating in the Handle With Care program, the appropriate manner for responding to a student who is identified as a “handle with care” student; and

            (v)    Becoming a trauma–informed school.

        (2)    The Department shall:

            (i)    Distribute the guidelines developed under this subsection to each local school system; and

            (ii)    Publish the guidelines on the trauma–informed approach on the Department’s website.