Written Question · S5W-24395 · Session 5
how it defines the terms "adverse childhood experience-aware" and "trauma-informed", and whether it considers that these can be used on an…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government how it defines the terms "adverse childhood experience-aware" and "trauma-informed", and whether it considers that these can be used on an interchangeable basis.
The answer
Language is important to people affected by trauma and to those who provide services. The Scottish Government does not routinely use the language "adverse childhood experience-aware". Rather, the terms Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), childhood adversity and trauma- informed would be used.
In 2017, the Scottish Government and NHS Education for Scotland published Transforming Psychological Trauma: a Knowledge and Skills Framework for the Scottish workforce . This was informed by evidence and co-produced with employers, experts in psychological trauma and people with lived experience. Pages 20 – 23 of the Framework discusses language and terminology and how these interrelate. The diagram on page 20 provides an illustration of how the terms overlap.
The Framework recognises that terms used in this area are complex and overlapping. The terms “Adverse Childhood Experience and “trauma- informed” are not interchangeable. Trauma can be experienced at any point in life. Childhood adversity can cause trauma but a person who has not experienced childhood adversity can still experience trauma.
In 2018, the Scottish Government established a National Trauma Training Programme coordinated by NHS Education for Scotland (NES), to implement this Framework, giving the workforce the evidence, skills and confidence to recognise and respond effectively to people affected by trauma and adversity. The evidence base on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is incorporated in course content, along with wider evidence on the impact of trauma and appropriate responses.
Further information on the principles of trauma-informed practice and guidance for employers are available on the NHS Education for Scotland webpage on National Trauma Training Framework .
In 2017, the Scottish Government and NHS Education for Scotland published Transforming Psychological Trauma: a Knowledge and Skills Framework for the Scottish workforce . This was informed by evidence and co-produced with employers, experts in psychological trauma and people with lived experience. Pages 20 – 23 of the Framework discusses language and terminology and how these interrelate. The diagram on page 20 provides an illustration of how the terms overlap.
The Framework recognises that terms used in this area are complex and overlapping. The terms “Adverse Childhood Experience and “trauma- informed” are not interchangeable. Trauma can be experienced at any point in life. Childhood adversity can cause trauma but a person who has not experienced childhood adversity can still experience trauma.
In 2018, the Scottish Government established a National Trauma Training Programme coordinated by NHS Education for Scotland (NES), to implement this Framework, giving the workforce the evidence, skills and confidence to recognise and respond effectively to people affected by trauma and adversity. The evidence base on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is incorporated in course content, along with wider evidence on the impact of trauma and appropriate responses.
Further information on the principles of trauma-informed practice and guidance for employers are available on the NHS Education for Scotland webpage on National Trauma Training Framework .
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-24395 by reference.