Trauma-informed care emphasizes a set of guiding principles. Which option lists a complete set of core principles?

• A. Safety, Trustworthiness, Peer Support, Collaboration.
• B. Cultural Sensitivity; Evidence-based Practice; Medication Adherence.
• C. Safety, Trustworthiness, Peer Support, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Cultural/Historical Awareness.
• D. Confidentiality, Autonomy, Client-led Care.

Answer: (C)

Trauma-informed care centers on guiding principles that ensure environments and practices are safe, respectful, and responsive to people who have experienced trauma. The complete set includes safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural/historical awareness. Safety means creating physical and emotional security so individuals can engage without re-traumatization. Trustworthiness involves consistency, transparency, and reliability in how services are provided. Peer support highlights the healing value of connections with others who have lived through similar experiences. Collaboration and mutuality emphasize shared decision-making and genuine partnerships between staff and clients. Empowerment focuses on recognizing strengths, choices, and autonomy in the recovery process. Cultural and historical awareness acknowledges how culture, history, and social contexts shape trauma and influence what services are appropriate and effective. The other options omit one or more of these key elements, making them incomplete representations of the trauma-informed approach.