1. Achieve Trauma-Informed and Healing -Centered State Designation
2. Conduct a PACEs Public Awareness and Mobilization Campaign.
3. Maintain Community-Driven Policy and Funding Priorities.
4. Provide Cross Sector PACEs Training.
5. Promote Trauma-Informed/ Healing-Centered Services and Supports.

NJ PACEs Action Plan  

From Trauma to Healing: Healing-Centered Approaches to Trauma in Families and Communities

This 10-week fully online and interactive course offers a comprehensive exploration of healing-centered approaches to addressing trauma, in families and communities, within a context of social justice. Moving beyond traditional trauma-informed care, the curriculum emphasizes a practice-shift towards recognizing and nurturing the inherent strength and resilience of individuals, families, and communities affected by trauma.

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families' Office of Resilience is awarding three (3) community $550 scholarships for individuals wishing to attend.

Course Dates
February 23 - May 3, 2026

Application Deadline for the Scholarship is Friday, January 2nd, 2026 by close-of-business.

For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact: DCF.OfficeofResilience@dcf.nj.gov

Information on the scholarship is below:

Important Links

• Course Flyer -- From Trauma to Healing: Healing-Centered Approaches to Trauma in Families and Communities Certificate Program
• 2026 Healing Centered Approaches Certificate Scholarship Application
• 2026 Healing Centered Approaches Certificate Scholarship Instructions

Eligibility Requirements

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
   
   
2. Commitment: Must commit to completing the 10-week program, including all assignments, workshops, and discussions.
   
   
3. Technology Access: Must have reliable internet access and a device capable of participating in online sessions (e.g., computer, tablet).
   
   
4. Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in the language of instruction (e.g., English).
   
   
5. Selected applicants will be required to participate in an interview as part of the scholarship qualification process.
   
   
6. Must be a New Jersey resident

Candidate Requirements

1. Educational Background: No formal degree required; however, candidate must demonstrate an interest in gaining a deeper understanding of Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs), learning cutting-edge research on neurobiological responses to trauma, and developing culturally responsive skills to support healing within family systems and community structures.
   
   
2. Community Involvement: Evidence of active involvement in community service, advocacy, or related projects addressing trauma or healing.
   
   
3. Personal Statement: Submit a short essay (no more than 500 words) explaining why you are interested in the program and how you plan to apply the knowledge in your community.
   
   
4. References: Provide one or more letters or recommendation.

Financial Criteria

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate financial need through a brief statement (no more than 200 words).

Instructions for Applicants

Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria

• Carefully review the eligibility requirements outlined above. Ensure that you meet all qualifications before proceeding with your application.

 

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

 

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents

Please attach the following documents:

1. Updated resume or CV.
2. One (1) or more letter(s) of recommendation.

 

Step 5: Submit the Application

• Review your application to ensure all fields are completed and required documents are attached.
• Email application and supporting documents to Sofia.Noncent-Johnson@dcf.nj.gov.
• Submit your application by the deadline: Late submissions will not be considered.

 

Step 6: Await Confirmation and Next Steps

• Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.
• Applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be notified via email to schedule an interview.

• CTIPP Workplace Toolkit  
  
  
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)  
  
  
• The Missouri Model: A Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed  
  
  
• The Artic Scale stands to Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care which is one of the first psychometrically valid measure. A brief overview can be viewed traumaticstressinstitute.org

The Four Rs of Trauma-Informed Care

1. Realize - Realize the widespread impact of trauma and understand potential paths for recovery.
2. Recognize - Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system.
3. Respond - Respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices.
4. Resist - Resist re-traumatization of children, as well as the adults who care for them.

6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach

The CDC's Center for Preparedness and Respose (CPR), in collaboration with SAMHSA's National Center for Trauma-Informed Care (NCTIC), developed and led a new training for CPR employees about the role of trauma-informed care during public health emergencies. The training aimed to increase responder awareness of the impact that trauma can have in the communities where they work.

Participants learned SAMHSA's six principles that guide a trauma-informed approach, including: Safety, Trustworthiness & Transparency, Peer Support, Collaboration & Mutuality, Empowerment Voice & Choice, and Cultural, Historical, & Gender Issues.

Adopting a trauma-informed approach is not accomplished through any single particular technique or checklist. It requires constant attention, caring awareness, sensitivity, and possibly a cultural change at an organizational level. On-going internal organizational assessment and quality improvement, as well as engagement with community stakeholders, will help to imbed this approach which can be augmented with organizational development and practice improvement. The training provided by CPR and NCTIC was the first step for CDC to view emergency preparedness and response through a trauma-informed lens.