2020 has been one of the most traumatic years during our lifetimes. And we know that the immediate and long-term effects on our children and youth could become dire—especially when the 2020 anxieties are coupled with already-existing trauma or challenges. When facilitating youth programming remotely, try these 5 trauma-informed practices to support your participants.

In youth-centered programs, the role of staff is to be the “guide by the side” not the “sage on the stage.” Staff provide structure, support and coaching to help young people take leadership, communicate and make decisions that are important to them.