All trauma is related to violence whether actual physical violation or fear of(emotional terror). Poorer neighborhoods and ethnic groups with great histories of trauma(black, native, Jewish, others) suffer from higher rates of such trauma in childhood, in adolescence and childhood. the LGBTQ community also suffers highly as the recent episode of gay teen suicides from bullying attest. Vets, prison inmates, victims of police violence tend to come from poorer communities and often experience homelessness.

Provide grants to jurisdictions for Veteran Treatment Courts to provide rehabilitative mental health treatment over incarceration for veterans with criminal issues stemming from a service related injury.

We believe that the systemic Recovery model is best served by incorporating consumer owned community based institutes that provide Certified Mentoring Consultants, Alternative Recovery model classes,and Benefits Planing with academic credits that further consumer education in their career planning. These consumer owned consumer run organizations should be funding directly through SAMSHA to insure consumer based programming.

Under Goal 2.1 and Objective 2.1.1, Vinland National Center supports SAMHSA’s effort to develop criteria and measures for trauma-informed care. We suggest that SAMHSA should consider using the following definition for resiliency, “Capacity to rebound from adversity strengthened and more resourceful.” (Walsh, 1998)

Social services serve people that have high trauma rates. Becoming trauma informed is a process that needs to be deliberate and articulated. Clients respond to trauma-informed approaches and collaboration is stronger and more focused when acknowledging the effects of trauma on safety, decision-making and coping.

Sexual trauma as a young female often leads to AOD abuse, mental illness, gang connections and prostitution

Trauma Informed Care- Safety for Staff and Consumers

The Trauma and Justice section of the plan is thorough and well-conceived. However, it does not include enhancing capacity of the child welfare system to address trauma as a core component of its high level goals. Child welfare should be considered at least on a par with the justice system. Moreover, SAMSHA should establish a specialized National Center for Trauma in the Child Welfare System.

Numbers are growing across the US of veterans returning from deployments and having contact with law enforcement. A high percentage of these veterans have PTSD/TBI. They are not criminals nor have any criminal intent - they would not be where they are if they would of been taken care of when they should have, like they should have. It is only because of service to country and the injuries that they now suffer with - that they are in the justice system.

Therapy should be mandatory for people dealing with a traumatic situation, to help them find appropriate ways of dealing with their situation. They don't think they need it, but they do. It also cuts down on revenge, substance abuse, and sub-intentional suicidal behaviors.