E D I T O R ’ S
M E S S A G E
Di n e e n Pa s h o u k o s Wa s y l i k – DP W Le g a l
continued from page 4
need to ensure “therapeutic justice” and “craft solutions
that are appropriate for long-term stability and that
minimize the need for subsequent court action.” 2 The
trauma-informed approach accomplishes this goal by
taking into account the effects of Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs) on both children and adults, and how
those experiences and the related toxic stress can have
life-long and multigenerational impact if not recognized
and treated. Just one ACE increases a person’s risk of
physical and mental health challenges as an adult, with
those experiencing multiple traumas more likely to turn
to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, or suffer depression. 3
When the system recognizes the signs and causes of
trauma and actively works to avoid re-traumatization,
those in the system have better rehabilitative outcomes.
The Florida Courts have a wealth of on-line resources
for lawyers and judges on this issue. Even if you don’t work
in family court, check out the Family Court Tool Kit on
Trauma and Child Development: www.flcourts.org/
Resources-Services/Court-Improvement/Family-Courts/
Family-Court-Basics2/Family-Court-Tool-Kit-Trauma-
and-Child-Development. The Toolkit goes into great
depth to explain how to approach every case through a
trauma-informed lens. Judge Tepper’s short introduction
to trauma video linked there gives a great overview. 4
And why should you care if you don’t practice in these
areas? Once I learned to approach every case through a
trauma-informed lens, I found I could even deal with
business cases (and the people driving them) more
effectively and compassionately. Once you see it, you
can’t unsee it. n
See, e.g., https://www.mentalhealth.org/get-help/trauma
(last visited September 28, 2019).
2 In re Report of Family Court Steering Comm., 794 So. 2d
518, 537 (Fla. 2001).
3 See https://acestoohigh.com/got-your-ace-score/ (last
visited September 28, 2019) and studies cited therein.
4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o07y8YB9rjg&
feature=youtu.be.
1
Ronald E. Bush
Holly B. Platter
ConfliCt Resolution
Mediation & Arbitration services
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KNOWLEDGE
We are committed to Alternative Dispute Resolution, which is the
most efficient forum for resolution of litigated and non-litigated
matters. Our extensive litigation experience allows us to assist litigants
with a pragmatic valuation of their case based on past results in similar
cases, the potential jury pool, and the appellate climate in which any
verdict would be reviewed. Our active litigation practices keep us well
apprised of the environment in which matters are currently litigated
and the myriad of nuances that drive litigation risks.
To schedule a mediation or arbitration call 813.228.7000
or www.bgrplaw.com for online calendar.
B ush G raziano r ice & P latter , P . a .
TRIAL LAWY ERS
NOV - DEC 2019
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