Integrating Trauma-Informed Care into Private School systems: A model for Supporting Out-Of-School Children Resettled through Government Initiatives

Authors

  • ABDULLAHI, Tukur Author
  • SHEU, Adaramaja Lukman Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.202583

Keywords:

Ecological Systems Theory, Private Schools, Resettled Children, Trauma-Informed Care

Abstract

This study examines the integration of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) into private school systems as a strategic model to support out-of-school children resettled through government initiatives. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the research highlights how layered environmental factors influence the developmental trajectories of displaced children experiencing trauma. The proposed Trauma-Informed Private School Integrated Model (TIPSIM) operationalizes TIC principles across institutional policies, pedagogical practices, and community partnerships to foster safe, trusting, and empowering learning environments. The model addresses unique educational and psychosocial needs by embedding trauma sensitivity into leadership decisions, teaching approaches, and wraparound support systems. A government implementation roadmap outlines phased strategies for policy mandates, capacity building, financing, monitoring, and sustainability to institutionalize TIC within private schools. Despite its promise, TIPSIM faces challenges including limited staff capacity, financial constraints, cultural adaptation needs, stigma, workforce burnout, and governance gaps. The study underscores the necessity of comprehensive, culturally responsive, and system-wide approaches to overcome these barriers. Integrating TIC into private education not only advances academic recovery but also promotes resilience and social integration among resettled learners, aligning with global education equity imperatives. This research contributes valuable insights into operationalizing trauma-informed frameworks in humanitarian education contexts, emphasizing multisectoral collaboration and sustainable policy support.

References

Berring, L. L., Holm, T., Hansen, J. P., Delcomyn, C. L., Søndergaard, R., Hvidhjelm, J., Jepsen, J., & Paludan, C. (2024). Implementing trauma-informed care-Settings, definitions, interventions, measures, and implementation across settings: A scoping review. Healthcare, 12(17), 1754. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12171754 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090908

Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674028845

Bronfenbrenner, U., & Morris, P. A. (1998). The ecology of developmental processes. In W. Damon & R. M. Lerner (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology: Vol. 1. Theoretical models of human development (5th ed., pp. 993–1028). Wiley.

Chafouleas, S. M., Johnson, A. H., Overstreet, S., & Santos, N. M. (2021). Toward a blueprint for trauma-informed service delivery in schools. School Mental Health, 13(1), 169–179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-020-09383-8

Lembke, E. J., Linderkamp, F., & Casale, G. (2024). Trauma-sensitive school concepts for students with a refugee background: A review of international studies. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1402945. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1402945 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1321373

Lasater, M. E., Flemming, J., Bourey, C., Nemiro, A., & Meyer, S. R. (2022). School-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions in humanitarian contexts: A realist review. BMJ Open, 12(2), e050505. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050505 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054856

Lopez, M., Ruiz, M. O., Rovnaghi, C. R., Tam, G. K.-Y., Hiscox, J., Gotlib, I. H., Barr, D. A., & Carrion, V. G. (2021). The social ecology of childhood and early life adversity. Pediatric Research, 89(2), 353–367. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-020-01264-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-020-01264-x

Maynard, B. R., Farina, A., Dell, N. A., & Kelly, M. S. (2019). Effects of trauma-informed approaches in schools: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 15(1–2), e1018. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1018

Mullin, A. C., Sharkey, J. D., & Barnett, M. (2024). Advancing trauma-informed practices in schools using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Frontiers in Education, 9, Article 1346933. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1346933 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1346933

Nguyen, A. W., Kebede, M. A., & Chang, R. (2023). Culturally responsive trauma-informed care: A conceptual model. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 16(2), 365–377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00408-2

Palencia-Ramírez, N., & Mallah, F. (2024, August). Forced displacement: Implications for refugee and asylee students (Educator Brief). Harvard Graduate School of Education. https://immigrationinitiative.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AUGUST-2024_Forced-Displacement_Implications-for-Refugee-and-Asylee-Students_final.pdf

Resource Guide on State Actions to Prevent and Mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma. (2023). National Governors Association / State Trauma-Informed Collaborative. https://www.nga.org/publications/resource-guide-on-state-actions-to-prevent-and-mitigate-adverse-childhood-experiences-and-trauma

School-Based Trauma-Informed Support Services (TISS). (n.d.). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families/school-health/tiss

Strategies and Resources to Support Trauma-Informed Schools (Issue Brief). (2024). U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools. https://www.schoolsafety.gov

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach (HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4884). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf

Trauma-Informed Organizations Implementation Roadmap. (2023). Trauma Informed NY. https://www.traumainformedny.org/wp-content/uploads/Trauma-Informed-Organizations-Implementation-Roadmap.pdf

Tong, P., & An, I. S. (2024). Review of studies applying Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory in international and intercultural education research. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1233925. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1233925 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1233925

UNICEF. (n.d.). Education in emergencies. https://www.unicef.org/education/emergencies

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2025). Projected global resettlement needs 2026. https://www.unhcr.org

UNESCO. (2023). Education in emergencies: Ensuring equity and inclusion. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://unesdoc.unesco.org

Downloads

Published

2025-09-04

How to Cite

Integrating Trauma-Informed Care into Private School systems: A model for Supporting Out-Of-School Children Resettled through Government Initiatives . (2025). Federal University Gusau Faculty of Education Journal, 5(4), 15-21. https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.202583