Which of the following is NOT a core principle of trauma-informed care?

• A. Fast service delivery
• B. Safety
• C. Trustworthiness
• D. Empowerment

Answer: (C)

Trauma-informed care centers on creating settings and relationships that promote safety, trust, collaboration, and autonomy for people seeking support. Key ideas include making safety a priority, being trustworthy and transparent in how you work with someone, supporting peer-led help, working as partners with mutuality, empowering individuals to take control of their own recovery, and honoring their voice and choice. It also involves paying attention to cultural, historical, and gender contexts that affect how trauma is experienced and addressed.

The option that does not fit with these principles is the push for fast service delivery. Trauma-informed care prioritizes building stable, respectful relationships and ensuring safety, even if that means taking time to listen, validate experiences, and involve the person in decisions. Fast service can undermine safety and trust, which are foundational to this approach.

Trustworthiness, safety, and empowerment are all core elements of trauma-informed care, making the focus on rapid service the aspect that doesn’t align with trauma-informed practice.