EC-TIC Readiness Checklist
A brief self-assessment for organizations at any stage.
Why This Tool?
Organizations don’t become equity-centered and trauma-informed overnight. Change happens in stages.
This checklist helps you:
- Understand where your organization sits on the continuum
- Identify strengths and gaps
- Align leadership, policy, and culture
- Take practical next steps
It reflects the four developmental stages of the Missouri Model:
Trauma Aware → Trauma Sensitive → Trauma Responsive → Trauma Informed
And is guided by the core principles of trauma-informed care:
Safety · Trustworthiness · Choice · Collaboration · Empowerment
When these principles are applied consistently, equity becomes the outcome.
How to Use This Tool
For each statement, rate your organization:
1 = Strongly Disagree
2 = Disagree
3 = Not Sure
4 = Agree
5 = Strongly Agree
There are no wrong answers. Honest reflection is the goal.
Awareness
☐ Staff understand how trauma affects individuals, teams, and performance
☐ Leadership recognizes the role of systemic inequities and historical trauma
☐ Staff well-being is viewed as essential to organizational success
☐ We understand that policies and systems can unintentionally create harm
Score (1–5): ______
Culture & Practice
☐ Equity and trauma-informed principles are discussed regularly
☐ Supervisors model psychologically safe and trust-building leadership
☐ Feedback from staff and stakeholders informs decisions
☐ Hiring and performance processes reflect relational and equity competencies
Score (1–5): ______
Systems & Policy
☐ Policies are reviewed through an equity lens
☐ We measure both outcomes and experiences (qualitative and quantitative data)
☐ Representation at leadership levels reflects the communities we serve
☐ Staff are supported in addressing stress, burnout, and secondary trauma
Score (1–5): ______
Sustainability & Equity Integration
☐ Equity guides strategic decisions and resource allocation
☐ Trauma-informed practices are embedded across departments
☐ Professional development aligns with EC-TIC principles
☐ Community or stakeholder voice meaningfully shapes priorities
Score (1–5): ______
Interpreting Your Results
Mostly 1–2 | Trauma Aware
You are building awareness. Focus next on structured implementation.
Mostly 3 | Trauma Sensitive
You have emerging practices. Consistency and policy alignment are key.
Mostly 4 | Trauma Responsive
Culture and systems are shifting. Prioritize sustainability and measurement.
Mostly 5 | Trauma Informed & Equity-Centered
Principles are embedded in leadership, operations, and decision-making.
Reflection
Take a moment to think about your responses
What is one strength your organization can build on?
What is one policy, practice, or system that needs review?
Next Steps
Ready to Move from Reflection to Action?
CHCM offers a free EC-TIC Readiness Review to help organizations:
✔ Interpret your results
✔ Identify priority action areas
✔ Strengthen leadership alignment
✔ Develop a practical implementation roadmap