What describes trauma-informed screening best?

• A. Perform detailed, escalating questions without warning.
• B. Exclude individuals with a history of trauma from services.
• C. Ask trauma-related questions sensitively, ensure safety, obtain consent, and avoid retraumatization.
• D. Retell clients' trauma stories to others.

Answer: (C)

Trauma-informed screening centers on safety, autonomy, and minimizing harm. The best description is to ask trauma-related questions in a sensitive, non-triggering way, ensure the person feels safe, obtain their consent before proceeding, and actively avoid retraumatization. This approach respects the individual's boundaries, reduces the risk of re-traumatizing experiences, and supports trust and empowerment in the helping relationship.

The other approaches don’t fit trauma-informed practice: pushing detailed questions without warning can surprise and re-traumatize; excluding people with trauma history denies access to care and is stigmatizing; and sharing trauma stories with others violates confidentiality and can re-traumatize the person.