Centerstone Trauma Treatment and Training (CT3) will increase capacity for and access to trauma-focused treatment and services in 9 Illinois counties (Franklin, Jackson, Madison, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, Union, Washington, and Williamson) for 360 children and adolescents (ages 2-17) and their families who experience traumatic events, including children/adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system and children of Veterans (Yr 1: 40; Yrs 2-5: 80, annually).
CT3 focus population is expected to mirror catchment area demographics: 51% male, 49% female, 71% white, 18% African American, 5% Hispanic/Latino individuals, and roughly 24,000 veteran households with children. Consistent with Illinois youth’s clinical demographics, 40% of catchment area children will experience an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), and 10% will experience 3-8 ACEs. Over 12,000 child abuse/neglect cases have been investigated in the catchment area, with nearly 6,000 substantiated to date. Catchment county child abuse/neglect rates are up to 2.7 times higher than the state’s rate (9.7 per 1,000).
CT3 will develop/maintain local capacity to implement trauma-informed practices and provide evidence-based/informed trauma treatment interventions appropriate to the focus population. Project goals include: (1) Establish a community-based, culturally competent project to provide and increase access to trauma-focused treatment/services; (2) Develop infrastructure and community capacity to implement services; (3) Improve the health status and outcomes for young children (ages 2-9) and children/adolescents (ages 10-17); and (4) Develop/disseminate a replicable service model. Measurable objectives include: decreased behavioral health concerns by 50% and improved social/emotional functioning by 50% for children ages 2-9; decreased risk factors by 50% and mental health symptomatology related to trauma by 60%, and increased psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life, and protective factors by 80% for children/adolescents ages 10-17; and improved family functioning by 50%, increased access to trauma-focused treatment by 90%, and 80% participant retention rate for all clients. CT3 will implement the evidence-based/informed Assessment-Based Treatment for Traumatized Children: Trauma Assessment Pathway (TAP) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), and Seeking Safety. Services include direct trauma/treatment services, therapy, care management, professional training and community education, outreach/engagement, screening and assessment, and linkages to services/supports. CT3 has secured commitments from partners dedicated to the project’s success, and will collaborate with child welfare organizations, law enforcement, courts, juvenile justice, and other provider/social service agencies.