Sanctuary Certified: Building a Trauma-Responsive Community

A simple, abstract yellow arc on a white background.
Sanctuary certified logo from Andrus Sanctuary Institute, highlighting trauma-informed practices.

At DABSJ, our mission depends on providing the safest and most supportive environment possible for the children and families we serve. We are thrilled to announce that this year we achieved certification in the Sanctuary model, a milestone in our commitment to creating a trauma-responsive culture where children and families can heal. 

The Sanctuary model is a nationally recognized framework for trauma-responsive care. We began implementing it in 2019, and through the years it has transformed the way we work. This change has deepened our understanding of trauma and its impact, helping us create a safer, more compassionate space for healing. This is something everyone – from case workers and managers to our reception and facilities teams – takes part in, because we all connect to the mission. 

Joel Bell, our President and CEO, highlights the importance of this achievement: “The Sanctuary Model is becoming a standard in our community, with several local organizations working to implement its principles. We are not only proud to achieve this certification ourselves but also to support others in their journey through training and collaboration. Building a trauma-responsive culture is essential for the children and families we serve, and it creates a foundation of safety, healing, and resilience that will benefit our entire community.” 

The Sanctuary Model’s focus on safety, emotional intelligence, social learning, and open communication is transforming how organizations approach care for those who have experienced trauma. By achieving certification, DABSJ is equipped to provide even more effective support, fostering environments where children and families can heal and thrive. 

For more details on our work with the Sanctuary Model, please visit our Sanctuary page.

The image shows a logo with the words "All children families individuals" and a rainbow-colored arc below.

DABSJ is inclusive and welcoming – from our team members, to the children we serve, to the families we license as foster parents. You could play a part in providing homes and hope for children who need a place to be themselves.