What is the threshold of retraumatization?
The rise of Lived Experience Councils, Community Advisory Boards, and other mechanisms for community input is undeniably on the rise. Our team has increasingly incorporated these governing bodies into interventions about elder abuse, childcare, and kinship programs.
Some funders are now mandating that community input be baked into the very foundation of program design, that the community being served is co-creating solutions, and is compensated for their time.
Although fair payment is undeniably a step in the right direction, how do we fairly thank and acknowledge individuals who are willing to share their stories, time, and expertise? Does financial compensation adequately appreciate the possibility of retraumatizing individuals?
Many say that by sharing a few stories and understanding the pain, trauma, and injustice a select number of community members experienced, we can create programs and interventions that benefit all.
Early in my career, I helped design a program involving Child Protective Services. Part of that work involved individuals sharing their experiences working with the agency. Although the information gathered undeniably helped, it also deeply hurt certain individuals who shared their experiences again, no matter the financial benefit.
Financial compensation is not the only factor of respect. Community-driven governance bodies should be carefully designed to stop, alter, or pause projects occurring in their backyard. Our team advocates asking yourself the following questions when designing a program to consider if a community-governance body is needed:
How did the community provide insight into the making of this program?
How is the community able to give feedback on the program?
If the program or intervention is not meeting the community’s needs, can it be altered or paused until community members have time to evaluate?
Creating, supporting, and strengthening these bodies is one way to ensure retraumatization is carefully managed and information gathered benefits the individuals that an organization is trying to serve.
