Trauma–informed care (TIC) is defined as practices that promote a culture of safety, empowerment, and healing. TIC also recognizes that trauma can happen to people in a variety of ways; domestic violence, being in the life, trafficking, exploitation, abuse/neglect, gang violence, police murder/violence, racism, homophobia, sexism, ageism, poverty, transphobia, systematic oppression/racism, etc.

In addition to this, TIC recognizes that service providers, social workers and nonprofit organizations can cause trauma and retraumatize people who access services. At CORE, trauma informed Care looks like asking the question “What happened to this person?” versus “What’s wrong with them?”, creating spaces that are trauma informed, and not retraumatizing young people. We acknowledge that CORE exists due to failures of the system, not the individual.

Low-barrier services are programs that have minimal conditions-to-entry, while maintaining clear and simple behavioral expectations that apply to anyone accessing the program. At CORE we focus on trying to meet-people-where-they-are-at as opposed to creating rigid program structure for people to try and fit into. Our programs have age restrictions to maintain safe and developmentally-appropriate environments, and we strive to make each program as accepting, welcoming, and inclusive as possible without jeopardizing the safety or autonomy of others.

Harm-reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use and other stigmatized behaviors. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs or participate in stigmatized behaviors (sex work, etc.). Harm Reduction looks like meeting people where they are at and providing resources to reduce harm without stigma. We believe young people are the experts in their own lives and should have access to the tools they need to keep themselves safe or free from harm.