# Education (GED)

## Title 7. Public Schools

### Subtitle 4. Health and Safety of Students

#### Section 7-427.1

(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.

---

Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)