(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.
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