The Governor and Mrs Darrilyn Dawson flanked by Embrace Co-Directors Professor Jeneva Ohan (left) and Professor Helen Milroy AM (right).
Embrace researchers have led senior government and service stakeholders through a roundtable discussion on trauma-informed systems of care at Government House.
After an official welcome and opening remarks from His Excellency, the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, Embrace Co-Directors Professor Helen Milroy AM and Professor Jeneva Ohan presented on the principles of trauma-informed care and the potential outcomes of embedding it within our systems.
Among those in attendance were the Mental Health Commissioner, Maureen Lewis, Chief Psychiatrist of WA Dr Nathan Gibson, and YACWA’s interim CEO, Kylie Wallace.
Senior representatives from the Departments of Education, Health, Justice, Communities joined with the CEOs of Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, Youthcare and the Consumers of Mental Health WA.
Following the presentation, Professor Milroy and Professor Ohan led discussion on the question, “what would trauma-informed systems of care look like in WA, and what actions are needed to make this vision a reality?”
“There was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in the room about implementing trauma-informed care across the board,” Professor Ohan said. “There was also broad recognition that it would be necessary to measure and evaluate throughout implementation, which speaks to the importance of getting this right.”
Key themes in the discussion included the desire for a framework of what trauma-informed care looks like, training modules at universities, TAFEs and workplaces, and a commitment to cross-sector collaboration.
There were also calls to destigmatise trauma to allow families to recognise it, understand when they need help and feel comfortable asking for it.
“At the moment, we are not doing enough to get kids on the right path,” Professor Milroy said.
But we can change society for the better by focusing on trauma-informed care across systems. All our systems have to work together for us to make a difference.
It was agreed that a review of the existing trauma-informed practices across government agencies was an important next step to identify needs and priorities.
At the event’s conclusion, the Governor and his wife, Mrs Darrilyn Dawson, recommended a follow up event to be held at Government House in 2026.
Professor Jeneva Ohan outlines the impact trauma-informed care could have across systems.
Professor Milroy discusses trauma-informed care as the Governor and Mrs Derrilyn Dawson look on.
Attendees at the roundtable included leaders across government, not-for-profit, industry and research.
Dr Hayley Jackson will lead Embrace's trauma-informed care research.
Embrace's Nicole Hanna and Dr Karen Lombardi observe proceedings.