Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Management

Advisor

Kristen Chesser

Abstract

Trauma-informed practices are essential to successful treatment outcomes and employee wellness in the context of sex trafficking clinical intervention. This single case study described the trauma-informed practices developed in a residential program for biologically-female sex trafficking survivors in the Southwest United States. The Baldrige excellence framework and the trauma-informed framework informed the study to comprehend organizational key factors and principles in the context of the residential program. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with four leaders at the senior and middle management levels, and internal documentation such as procedures, protocols, strategic plans, and yearly reports were included in the analysis. Data triangulation validated the findings related to the frameworks. Emerged themes from the study included identified trauma-informed practices at the organizational and entry-level, supporting that an organizational culture grounded in mission, values, open communication, and collaboration favors a humanizing experience at the entry level. The trauma-informed practices can also be mirrored for the survivor and employee to ensure their well-being. Faith and spirituality were protective factors, and prayer was a coping strategy that benefited survivors and employees. Implementing trauma-informed practices promotes social change by building a new social narrative that encourages survivor and employee wellness. Positive social change may occur by strengthening nonprofit and faith-based organizations and informing public policy and legislation on the relevance of trauma-informed practices when fighting this social injustice.

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