Trauma leaves invisible wounds—but it also affects behavior, learning, and relationships in profound ways. At Panache Haven, we recognize that many youth in care have experienced deep emotional, physical, or psychological trauma, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment.

Our trauma-informed approach acknowledges this reality and builds programming around it. Rather than punish “bad behavior,” we seek to understand its root causes. Staff are trained in trauma-responsive strategies, de-escalation techniques, and therapeutic communication.

• Key components of our trauma-informed model:
• Establishing psychological safety through consistency and non-judgment
• Empowering youth to make choices and participate in their own healing
• Supporting emotional regulation through mindfulness, breathing techniques, art, and journaling
• Building trust-based relationships with non-authoritarian, compassionate adults
• Avoiding triggers and re-traumatization by being sensitive to each youth’s history and cues

We also incorporate creative arts, body-based healing (e.g., yoga, grounding), and culturally affirming group activities that allow youth to reconnect with their sense of identity and self-worth.

This isn’t a program that “fixes” kids. It’s a space that supports recovery, resilience, and renewal.