The Sanctuary Model

We are committed to implementing the Sanctuary Model because we recognize that trauma, chronic stress, and adversity are universal human experiences.

Visit The Sanctuary Institute Website!

The Sanctuary Model

The Sanctuary Model is a way for organizations, like shelters or schools, to make sure people feel safe, respected, and supported. It is built on the idea that trauma, which means stressful or scary experiences, affects how people think, feel, and act. Instead of asking “What’s wrong with you?” the Sanctuary Model teaches us to ask, “What happened to you?”

It gives staff, families, and clients simple tools to handle stress, solve problems, and work together as a community. The model is organized around four main pillars: Trauma Theory, the S.E.L.F. Framework, the Seven Commitments, and the Sanctuary Tools.

 

The Sanctuary Model Four Pillars

 

1. TRAUMA THEORY

We recognize that trauma affects how people think, feel, and behave—and that includes both our families and our staff.

  • We assume that behavior may be a survival strategy, not disrespect or resistance.

  • We use this lens to respond with compassion, not punishment.

  • This helps us avoid re-traumatizing others and instead create opportunities for healing.

 “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”

2. THE SEVEN COMMITMENTS

These are the values we agree to uphold in every part of our work:

  • Nonviolence – Creating physical, emotional, social, and moral safety

  • Emotional Intelligence – Recognizing and managing our own emotions

  • Social Learning – Learning from one another in a respectful environment

  • Open Communication – Speaking honestly and listening actively

  • Social Responsibility – Holding ourselves and others accountable in community

  • Democracy – Ensuring every voice matters in decision-making

  • Growth & Change – Committing to healing, learning, and progress

Shared language and shared values.

3. THE S.E.L.F. FRAMEWORK

This is a problem-solving lens that helps us organize conversations and care plans:

  • Safety – Are we safe in body, mind, and relationships?

  • Emotions – Are we aware of how feelings affect us and others?

  • Loss – Have we acknowledged and grieved what’s been lost?

  • Future – Are we making healthy decisions that move us forward?

Even positive change has loss.

4. THE SANCTUARY TOOLKIT

Practical tools that help us bring Sanctuary to life every day:

Community Meetings
Daily check-ins that help us stay connected and focused on our goals.

  • Safety Plans
    Personal reminders of what we can do to manage stress and stay safe.

  • Red Flag Meetings
    A group response to serious events that uses reflection, multiple perspectives, and teamwork to find solutions.

  • Team Meetings
    Time set aside to use the S.E.L.F. framework to reflect, share, and grow together.

  • Self Care Planning
    Making and practicing a personal plan of activities that reduce stress and protect against burnout.

  • Workplace Wellness
    The organization’s promise to support healthy habits and activities that build awareness, connection, and stress relief for staff and teams.

  • Core Team
    A group of staff from different roles who guide and support the use of the Sanctuary Model across the whole agency.

It’s not just a model, it’s the golden thread through the agency.

Why It Matters

Sanctuary isn’t just about what we do, it’s about how we do it.
It helps us build resilient families, strong teams, and a culture of healing.