The Development of Trauma-Informed Community Partnerships: A Mixed Method Social Network Study

Trauma-informed communities establish cross-sector coalitions that advocate for the use of trauma-informed practices. Whether and how communication occurs within newly established trauma-informed communities is unclear. We collected qualitative data and social network data from six trauma-informed community partnerships that received funding to build community capacity to address trauma across a range of special populations in Los Angeles county. We identified three communication network sub-types and highlight contributions of network leadership in setting the tone for cross-partnership communication. While partnership leaders shared the goal of strengthening cross-organizational communication, social network results illustrated a need to develop strategies that target these goals. Communication is needed to spread novel information about trauma-informed care and community capacity building throughout trauma-informed community-based partnerships.To sustain partnership work it is essential that members of partnering organizations communicate new information about resources and trauma-informed knowledge between themselves, rather than only communicating directly through the partnership's leader.A "communication plan" could delineate opportunities for persons from partnering organizations to participate in communication and decision making, and help ensure that individuals with less seniority (i.e., peer supporters) remain involved in network communication.