Considerations for MDTs

The National Children’s Alliance Standards of Accreditation require training in vicarious trauma and resilience for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). (You will note in the Standards that NCA refers to vicarious trauma as opposed to secondary traumatic stress. However, training you receive on secondary traumatic stress will apply to this Standard.) Cross-training on STS can build shared knowledge, a shared language, empathy among team members, and opportunities for mutual support.
Any STS training you might provide for your staff would be appropriate for your MDT. However, prior to planning a training, think about your specific team and determine, based on your experience, which MDT disciplines or individuals might be resistant to certain topics or strategies. Take this into consideration as you choose topics and practices to include into your MDT meetings and trainings, and as you choose an STS trainer for your MDT. (For guidance on how to choose a trainer, review “How Can I Select a Good Training on STS?“) It may be helpful to review the “Important Considerations When Planning a Training” section on the Step 1–Overview page.
Consider incorporating brief STS trainings during MDT meetings or as part of in-service training using the STS training strategies and resources listed in this domain.
CACs can also invite community partners to STS trainings and may pool resources to bring in an external trainer to provide STS training to the CAC and partner agencies.
CACs can invite MDT supervisors and leaders to specific trainings for supervisors.

Secondary Traumatic Stress–Informed Training