TBRI

Trauma-informed care beyond the buzzwords

Children arms

Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) is a holistic model for helping children overcome social, behavioral and emotional challenges brought on by trauma.

Trauma can include many things, from abuse and neglect to a single event such as a difficult birth or a natural disaster. These factors can cause changes in children’s bodies, brains, behaviors and belief systems, often making it difficult for them to trust the loving adults in their lives, and resulting in perplexing behaviors. 

TBRI is built on decades of research in attachment theory, sensory processing and neuroscience. It offers practical strategies to help the whole child, so they can build fulfilling lives after trauma: 

  • Empowering principles to address their physical needs 
  • Connecting principles to establish and restore healthy relationships they can depend on
  • Correcting principles to disarm their fear-based behaviors 

TBRI is now used in more than 60 countries, and we are continually extending and evolving the model through education, outreach and research. From growing overall understanding of child development to adapting the framework for multiple cultures, we constantly seek to deepen its positive impact and broaden its worldwide reach.

Who should use TBRI?

Originally designed for adoptive parents, TBRI has expanded to any person working with children – such as social workers, teachers, health care professionals and law enforcement officers – as well as to partnerships with governments and other organizations creating systemic change.

Evidence-based ratings

TBRI® Caregiver Training has achieved a “Promising Practice/Promising” rating from the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse and the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse.

Where do I start?

Ways we teach and spread TBRI

TBRI Practitioner Training | We offer in-person training to select professionals who work directly with children.

TBRI Online | Online courses allow us to teach and adapt TBRI for anyone who wants to apply it in their home, community or workplace.

Ambassador Organizations | We partner with governments and other institutions to implement TBRI at a systemic level.

Camp Hope Connection 2.0 | We host a weekend camp for adoptive families at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.

FAQ | Find answers to common questions about TBRI.