Trauma Informed Practice Strategy Lab

Calling all criminal court practitioners! A new hands-on training and technical assistance opportunity for trauma-informed practices will help criminal courts implement evidence-based and holistic approaches to better respond to trauma.

Experiences of trauma are nearly universal in the criminal justice system. According to some estimates, more than 90 percent of incarcerated people have suffered from traumatic experiences, often starting in childhood. Contact with the justice system—getting arrested, going to court, or spending time in jail or prison—can put someone at risk of even more trauma.

With support from the State Justice Institute, the Center for Justice Innovation has led the development of the Trauma-Informed Practice Strategy (TIPS) Lab to help criminal courts better respond to that trauma. The TIPS Lab is currently accepting applications for no-cost, intensive training and technical assistance for criminal courts across the country seeking to implement trauma-informed approaches and prevent further harm for people navigating the justice system.

While trauma-informed practices have taken root in many specialty courts—like mental health courts, veterans courts, and drug treatment courts—typical criminal courts have been slower to implement these strategies. The TIPS Lab aims to fill that gap, providing criminal court practitioners with the tools they need to respond effectively and compassionately to widespread trauma among defendants.

Launched in 2023, the TIPS Lab consists of three phases:

  • a national scan of the major challenges and opportunities criminal courts face in responding to trauma;
  • a forthcoming blueprint for implementing trauma-informed practices in criminal courts;
  • and intensive, hands-on assistance for a select cohort of four to six criminal courts across the country.

At this time, applications for this opportunity is closed.

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