Md. Code, Education § 7-427.1

§7–427.1.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Trauma–informed approach” means a method for understanding and responding to an individual with symptoms of chronic interpersonal trauma or traumatic stress.

(3) “Trauma–informed school” means a school that:

(i) Acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and understands the potential paths for recovery;

(ii) Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in students, teachers, and staff;

(iii) Integrates information about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and

(iv) Actively resists retraumatizing a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma.

(b) (1) The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Health and the Department of Human Services, shall develop guidelines on a trauma–informed approach that will assist schools with:

(i) Implementing a comprehensive trauma–informed policy at the school;

(ii) The identification of a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma;

(iii) The appropriate manner for responding to a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma;

(iv) For schools participating in the Handle With Care program, the appropriate manner for responding to a student who is identified as a “handle with care” student; and

(v) Becoming a trauma–informed school.

(2) The Department shall:

(i) Distribute the guidelines developed under this subsection to each local school system; and

(ii) Publish the guidelines on the trauma–informed approach on the Department’s website.