Section 7-427.1 - Trauma-informed approch(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.Added by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 148,Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2020.