Resource Library
This library offers curated resources selected by the Trauma Resource Initiative for Schools (T R I S) team. These materials are designed to support educators, administrators, school mental health professionals, and families in promoting student well-being and building resilient school communities. You can browse by topic, publication date, or audience, as well as use the search function to locate specific tools, templates, or reference materials. All materials are attributed to the original source.
If you are in need of assistance or would like to request specific resources, our T R I S team is happy to help. Contact us for specific resource needs in schools and communities.
Populations at Risk
Resource created by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) to discuss how specific populations can be more at risk of experiencing traumatic stress.
Understanding Trauma Responses in Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and When to Seek Help
One pager developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) to examine what trauma responses can look like in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Supporting Children after the Suicide of a Classmate
Web page created by the Child Mind Institute (CMI) to advise educators on helping students process feelings after the death of a classmate from suicide.
Helping Children Cope With Grief
Toolkit created by the Child Mind Institute (CMI) with advice from mental health experts on helping children cope with grief, including age and event specific topics such as suicide and terminal illness.
Guidelines for Schools Responding to a Death by Suicide
Guide created by the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the National Crisis for School Crisis and Bereavement to help school administrators, teachers, and crisis team members respond to the needs of students and staff after a suicide has impacted the school environment, as well as when an individual student's life may be impacted by a suicide within the student's family. Ideas are offered to addressing the issue of suicide, including how to talk to children about this difficult topic.
What to Expect at Different Ages
Guide created by the Dougy Center to provide age-specific responses for young children who experience trauma or grief and how adults can help children experiencing trauma. The age specific groups include 0-2 years, 2-4 years, and 5-8 years.
Creating Effective Child- and Family-Focused Disaster Behavioral Health Messages on Social Media
Toolkit created by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) informs school administrators and educators on how to develop a social media policy and plan, constructing messages for various disasters and audiences, and managing social media accounts.
Mitigating Psychological Effects of Lockdowns
Checklist created by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to discuss the effect of lockdowns on students' mental health and perception of safety and includes guidance on assisting students before, during, and after lockdown drills in a trauma-informed manner to mitigate negative effects of lockdowns.
After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools (2nd Edition)
Toolkit created by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) that provides guidance and tools for postvention, a term used to describe activities that can help people cope with the emotional distress resulting from a suicide and prevent additional trauma that could lead to further suicidal behavior and deaths, especially among people who are vulnerable.
“What do I do?” Trauma-Informed Support for Children
Website created by the ECHO Training with steps to help provide children with trauma-informed support.
Large-Scale Natural Disasters: Helping Children Cope
Fact sheet created by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to discuss how adults can help support children’s emotional and psychological needs during a large-scale natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake.
Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Caregivers
One pager created by the National Association for School Psychologists (NASP) to provide information for caregivers and school educators on helping provide stability, normalcy, and safety for children after acts of violence occur within the community.
Supporting Students with Disabilities during School Crisis
An article discussing developing emergency plans and support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities during a crisis.
Natural Disasters and Relocated Students with Special Needs: Recommendations for Receiving Schools
Fact sheet created by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) that offers suggestions and guidance for schools receiving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their school after a large-scale disaster that resulted in the student’s relocation.
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
Fact sheet created by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) to discuss how children of different ages respond to traumatic events.
Trauma Facts for Educators
One pager created by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) to help educators understand the impact of traumatic events on children, including how to identify potential impacts of trauma and help impacted children.

