§ 7–427.1
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-427.1 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 4. Health and Safety of Students
§ 7–427.1LinkCopy Citation
(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.