WHEREAS, research over the last two decades in the evolving fields of neuroscience, molecular biology, public health, genomics, and epigenetics reveals that experiences in the first few years of life build changes into the biology of the human body that, in turn, influence the person's physical and mental health over the course of a lifetime; and

WHEREAS, this evidence suggests that early intervention and prevention of prolonged, toxic stress, adverse childhood experiences, and trauma can buffer the impacts on long-term health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, this research has spurred action at the local and regional levels across Virginia to form cross-discipline, public-private networks of providers, practitioners, advocates, and policy makers who share best practices and promote awareness about trauma-informed care; and

WHEREAS, these regional Trauma-Informed Community Networks are focused on bridging local agency silos and public and private partnerships to focus on systems-level solutions for more resilient and trauma-informed communities; and

WHEREAS, Trauma-Informed Community Networks have emerged in communities such as Charlottesville, Fairfax, Greater Richmond, Greater Piedmont, Harrisonburg, Hampton Roads, Petersburg, and others; and

WHEREAS, these Trauma-Informed Community Networks partnered to create Trauma System Response tools for use in local social services agencies; and

WHEREAS, members of Trauma-Informed Community Networks have developed and implemented trauma-informed training for public school teachers; and

WHEREAS, network members include juvenile and domestic relations court judges who apply trauma-informed approaches in the courtroom and local law-enforcement officials who apply and practice trauma-informed approaches in their police work; and

WHEREAS, each community has defined criteria for a Trauma-Informed Spaces organizational assessment of public and private facilities; and

WHEREAS, any citizen can participate in discussion and adoption of trauma-informed practices through Trauma-Informed Community Networks by participating in conversations about community-based resilience; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Trauma-Informed Community Networks hereby be commended for their work to promote best practices, to address childhood trauma and toxic stress, and to become trauma-informed, resilient communities; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Greater Richmond Trauma-Informed Community Network as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the organization's work to increase health and wellness throughout the Commonwealth.