the sanctuary model
At Home of the Innocents, we deal with trauma every
day. That alone makes organizational health and
culture critical components in the delivery of our
services.
Across all service areas of the organization, including
our Residential Program, Community Based Services,
Kosair Charities Pediatric Convalescent Center, and
Open Arms Children’s Health, our team members
are exposed to trauma on a daily basis, often
experiencing vicarious trauma as they care for our
children and their family members.
From an accountant to resident counselor to CNA,
no one on our team is left unaffected by the work
we do. As a result, organizational culture becomes
an important tool in creating an environment that
supports team members in order to create better
outcomes for the children and families we serve.
In February 2019, we began implementation of the
Sanctuary Model,® a model that introduces a system-
wide approach to creating a trauma-informed culture.
NONVIOLENCE
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE
DEMOCRACY
SANCTUARY
SEVEN
COMMITMENTS
SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
OPEN
COMMUNICATION
SOCIAL
LEARNING
GROWTH
& CHANGE
We train our team members in theory trauma, use
one common language, and utilize tested tools and
techniques. We have just begun our three- to five-
year journey towards implementation, and over time,
we anticipate seeing improved outcomes for our
children and families, a decrease in violence among
our residents, and improved staff retention and
satisfaction.
The intensity and urgency of our mission and the
programs we provide lead to high levels of burnout.
The Home anticipates using this model to create a
supportive, trauma-informed environment for team
members, residents, and clients as a way to provide
the best service possible by developing a healthy,
engaged, supported team.