(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Trauma–informed approach” means a method for understanding and responding to an individual with symptoms of chronic interpersonal trauma or traumatic stress.
(3) “Trauma–informed school” means a school that:
(i) Acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and understands the potential paths for recovery;
(ii) Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in students, teachers, and staff;
(iii) Integrates information about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and
(iv) Actively resists retraumatizing a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma.
(b) (1) The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Health and the Department of Human Services, shall develop guidelines on a trauma–informed approach that will assist schools with:
(i) Implementing a comprehensive trauma–informed policy at the school;
(ii) The identification of a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma;
(iii) The appropriate manner for responding to a student, teacher, or staff member who has experienced trauma;
(iv) For schools participating in the Handle With Care program, the appropriate manner for responding to a student who is identified as a “handle with care” student; and
(v) Becoming a trauma–informed school.
(2) The Department shall:
(i) Distribute the guidelines developed under this subsection to each local school system; and
(ii) Publish the guidelines on the trauma–informed approach on the Department’s website.