Research shows that more than 75% of children in America are exposed to some type of traumatic life event, an event that threatens injury, harm or death to themselves or others. Traumatic events could include sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, community and school violence, medical trauma, motor vehicle accidents, acts of terrorism, war experiences, natural and human-made disasters, suicides, and  traumatic losses. Any one of these traumatic events can forever impact the life of a child. The fall-out from the pandemic has exacerbated many of these issues and children are often paying the price.  In the past 2.5 years, our students have been bombarded with multiple trauma triggers which are shown to have severe impediments to education and learning. Trauma-exposed youth often have lower grades, excessive suspensions and expulsions, higher levels of aggression, assaultive and disruptive behaviors, as well as increased substance misuse. 

The N.E.S.T. model of support moves beyond understanding and helps school faculty, staff and administrators to understand what they can do to actually support students who have been exposed to trauma. In this advanced workshop, staff are empowered with tools they can use to support students. Next, staff are challenged to practice strategies that will support students through relational security, trauma-sensitive crisis management, self-regulation, and creating self-mastery experiences. Finally, participants will work to create an action plan that will ensure that they identify, connect, and support youth suffering after a traumatic event.