SCBWI PA West Presents: Applying Trauma-Informed Care to Writing Children's Books with Joy Givens
Jun 12, 2025
Online event
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach to working with others that validates their experiences, builds feelings of safety and trust, and provides space for shared growth and empowerment. Commonly implemented in social work, counseling, and human services fields, TIC provides guiding principles for interacting with anyone who might have experienced trauma, but it's not "special treatment"; it's a form of universal design that can make any environment more welcoming and respectful. This workshop will first provide a background on the fundamentals of trauma-informed care. Then, we'll discuss ways to incorporate those principles into storytelling, as well as into author/illustrator school visits and events. Zoom Webinar / June 12, 7PM EST 45 Min Presentation / 15 Min Q&A $15 for Members / $20 for Non-Members
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach to working with others that validates their experiences, builds feelings of safety and trust, and provides space for shared growth and empowerment. Commonly implemented in social work, counseling, and human services fields, TIC provides guiding principles for interacting with anyone who might have experienced trauma, but it's not "special treatment"; it's a form of universal design that can make any environment more welcoming and respectful.
This workshop will first provide a background on the fundamentals of trauma-informed care. Then, we'll discuss ways to incorporate those principles into storytelling, as well as into author/illustrator school visits and events.
Zoom Webinar / June 12, 7PM EST
45 Minute Presentation / 15 Minute Q&A
$15 for Members / $20 for Non-Members
About Joy
Joy Givens is the author of several award-winning short stories and the lucky mother of four young superheroes, including her son Joshua, who inspired her debut picture book, THE UNSTOPPABLE JAMIE (Two Lions, 2023). She also works as an Immigrant & Refugee Youth Services Specialist for a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization. Joy's work gives her the opportunity to learn, laugh, and grow with students from all over the world. Her focused areas of continuing education include trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and language studies (primarily French, Kiswahili, and Arabic - friend her on DuoLingo @JoyEilene!).