Conclusions and Panel Discussion

The chapters in the current volume represent the proceedings from the conference titled “Trauma-Informed Schools: How Child Maltreatment Prevention, Detection, and Intervention can be integrated into the School Setting,” which were framed within the core elements of a trauma-informed school system framework. The final session of the conference consisted of an open discussion that engaged audience members in a dialogue with panel members regarding the next steps toward promoting and implementing a trauma-informed framework in schools. The remainder of this chapter is a summary of the panel discussion, which covered topics that include promoting cross-system collaboration and partnerships with communities and families, addressing concerns around stigma, providing teacher support, addressing assessments, linking school policies, and providing strategies and resources for teachers. This chapter serves as a starting point in discussing how to begin the process of incorporating trauma-informed ideals into schools.