Transforming the Judiciary Through Trauma-Responsive Courts
Designed for the entire judicial workforce, Florida State University's Trauma & Resilience Education for the Judiciary: Aligning What We Know With What We Do course bridges research and practice to help build a more trauma-responsive judiciary. Participants gain practical knowledge of trauma science, resilience, and adverse experiences, along with actionable strategies for applying this understanding in court and justice settings. The course equips judges, court professionals, and justice system partners with tools to strengthen decision-making, enhance collaboration, improve workplace well-being, and foster more effective interactions with individuals and families. By aligning evidence-based trauma and resilience principles with judicial practice, participants can help transform challenges into opportunities for justice, improved court outcomes, and stronger, more resilient communities.
FLORIDA Judicial Staff & Stakeholders Enroll in Training
Non FLORIDA Judicial Staff & Stakeholders Enroll in Training
Download the Center's Trauma & Resilience Education for the Judiciary Info Sheet
Why Trauma-Informed Courts Matter
Trauma is deeply connected to justice system involvement. Understanding the impact of trauma helps courts make more informed decisions, strengthen accountability, and support better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
Leading organizations, including the American Bar Association, the American Justice Association, and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, recognize trauma-informed practices as essential to creating a more effective and equitable justice system.
"If we miss the trauma, we have missed the case, in how we handle it and how we help resolve it. Every Judge, attorney, and others involved in the legal system must be trauma informed and trauma responsive."
— Retired Judge Jack Helinger, Florida 6th Circuit Family Court
Course Snapshot
Trauma and Resilience Education for the Judiciary provides judiciary professionals with practical, evidence-informed strategies to understand trauma, strengthen decision-making, and support trauma-responsive court practices.
What You'll Gain
Deepen Understanding
Learn the latest trauma and resilience science.
Improve Judicial Outcomes
Support healing, accountability, and stability.
Make Informed Decisions
Recognize the impact of trauma to support more effective rulings and interventions.
Build Public Trust
Promote fairness, transparency, and confidence in the justice system.
Prevent Burnout
Recognize and manage vicarious trauma.
Increase Professional Satisfaction
Trauma-informed practices improve effectiveness and reduce stress.
Explore the Trauma & Resilience Curriculum
Developed by Florida State University's nationally recognized experts in trauma science, this self-paced online training equips judiciary professionals with foundational knowledge and practical strategies to implement trauma-responsive court practices. Through seven interactive modules, participants will explore the connection between trauma, resilience, and the justice system while earning available continuing education credits (CJEs, CLEs, and CEUs).
Trauma and Resilience Education for the Judiciary
Aligning What We Know With What We Do
An Introduction to Trauma-Responsive Court Practices
The Connection Between Trauma and the Courts
The Power of Resilience
The Big 10 Trauma-Responsive Court Practices
Applying Trauma-Responsive Court Practices
Course Conclusion and Key Insights
Why Judicial Professionals Trust This Training
This training combines Florida State University’s expertise in trauma science with practical strategies designed to support trauma-responsive court practices. Built specifically for judiciary professionals, the course provides evidence-informed tools to strengthen decision-making, promote healing, and support better outcomes.
Developed by Florida State University Grounded in Trauma and Resilience Science Created for the Entire Judiciary System
Earn Continuing Education Credit
Trusted by Judicial Professionals in Florida and Across the Country Endorsed by Judges and Court Leaders
In the News
Trauma & Resilience Education for the Judiciary is gaining national attention for helping judges and court professionals better understand the impact of trauma on children, families, and court-involved individuals.
FSU Center Launches Trauma-Informed Training
Florida State University highlights the nationwide expansion of Trauma & Resilience Education for the Judiciary.
Florida Judiciary Featured in New Trauma Training Initiative
The Florida Bar News highlights how trauma-informed practices are strengthening judicial education.
Trauma Training Initiative Receives National Coverage
LegalReader explores how judicial professionals can apply trauma-informed approaches in court settings.
What Judicial Leaders Are Saying
“Being on the felony bench for 48 months certainly shines a painful light on how important this education is for our future generations.”
— Judge Teresa K. Dees
Florida 12th Circuit
“Once you see through a trauma lens, you will never see the individuals who appear before you the same.”
— Judge Lynn Tepper
Florida 6th Judicial Circuit, Retired
“Groundbreaking and comprehensive—must be required for all Unified Family Court judges.”
— Judge Terrance Ketchel
Florida 1st Judicial Circuit
“I applaud this brilliant teaching module that will transform the way judges and staff view cases involving children and families, and just possibly, help to end the generational trauma!”
— Justice Barbara Pariente
Florida Supreme Court, Retired
Ready to Get Started?
Take the step towards a more therapeutic, effective justice system.
