Clark, Quigley & Fitzpatrick introduce bill to expand trauma-informed practices in schools

Statement

Today, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA-5), Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL-5) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) introduced the Trauma-Informed Schools Act of 2019, legislation that will define "trauma-informed practices" for the first time ever in federal education law. This bill would also align key federal funding sources to invest in teacher professional development, after school programs, and charter schools, with a goal of providing educators the training and resources they need to utilize trauma-informed care.

"More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by age 16, and children who experience these events are often subject to harsh, punitive discipline in schools," said Congresswoman Clark. "The Trauma-Informed Schools Act will encourage positive, restorative interventions that will give every student a fair shot at success, regardless of the adversity they may have faced."

"Trauma experienced during youth has a significant impact on the learning ability and social development of students," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "Limited resource availability to facilitate trauma-informed care harms vulnerable children at a critical period in their lives. I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to place children who have been through immense pain on a successful trajectory."

"Providing a greater availability of training and resources to assist our teachers and principals is critical to understanding the impact of traumatic experiences on students' ability to learn in the classroom," said Congressman Quigley. "I am proud to support legislation to give every student the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the traumatic events they may have experienced in their lives."

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the earliest years of a child's life affect their ability to learn, form healthy relationships, regulate their emotions, and achieve success for the rest of their lives. Whether due to abuse, neglect, toxic stress, or other forms of adversity, trauma can have a tremendous impact on emotional development, physical and mental health, and educational outcome. Educators deserve professional training and resources that can better support the work they do every day."

The Trauma-Informed Schools Act addresses formally defines "trauma-informed practices" in the federal education code and ensures that states and school districts can assist educators in accessing professional development opportunities to optimize their support of children suffering from adverse childhood experiences.

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