Overview

The Sanctuary Model is a way of providing services that recognize how trauma can affect everyone. Through this model, we create a trauma-sensitive, democratic and non-violent culture that promotes healing for children, youth, and families. If you receive services from CPRI, this model may be used throughout to guide how we interact with clients, and each other.

About the Sanctuary Model’s four pillars

Logo

The Sanctuary Model promotes awareness in four areas of knowledge and practice that we call pillars.

Pillar 1: trauma theory

You may learn about the impact of trauma on the brain, and how that can impact behaviour. You may also hear this referred to as “psychoeducation" or "psychobiology.”

Pillar 2: SELF framework

You may hear the acronym SELF being used by clinicians when you receive services from CPRI. SELF stands for Safety, Emotion, Loss and Future. SELF is a way of organizing ideas so that everyone involved in caring for your child can think and talk about these important parts of healing, using language everyone can understand.

Pillar 3: sanctuary toolkit

A toolkit is another word for “practices.” Since trauma-informed care is a different way of delivering services, the Sanctuary Model describes practices that can help maintain safety, encourage collaboration, and achieve mutual goals. While receiving services from CPRI, you may participate in one or more of the following:

  • community meetings
  • safety plans
  • red flag reviews
  • team meetings
  • psychoeducation
  • treatment/service planning
  • supervision/coaching and training

Pillar 4: seven commitments

The Sanctuary Model outlines seven commitments that help guide interactions between members of the community. Following these commitments helps everyone avoid stressful situations. The seven commitments are:

  • non-violence
  • emotional intelligence
  • social learning
  • democracy
  • open communication
  • social responsibility
  • growth and change