Center for Social Justice and Trauma-Informed Care at Castleton

We work with our campus and local partners to establish Rutland County as a place committed to social justice and trauma-informed care with the long-term goal of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Center is a hub where Rutland County professionals can access the resources they need to fill gaps in services. Our Center will serve as a model that can be replicated on our other Vermont State campuses and in any communities with public colleges to best serve the public good of Vermont. 

Our values are grounded in the social work professional values as articulated by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). These values are integral to our mission, vision, and goals. We are committed to the following: 

• Service: The Center helps people in need and addresses the most pressing social problems in Rutland County.  
• Social Justice: The Center challenges social injustice, particularly on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed populations most impacted by trauma.  
• Dignity and worth of the person: The Center interacts with all stakeholders in a caring and respectful fashion, while being mindful of individual differences and all types of diversity. 
• Importance of human relationships: The Center recognizes that relationships between and among people are an important vehicle for change.  
• Integrity: The Center acts honestly and responsibly and promotes trauma-informed, ethical practices.  
• Competence: The Center understands the importance of providing training, information, and services within our areas of professional expertise.