A tiered-approach to trauma- and grief-focused evidence-based practice delivery in residential and intensive programs - the proposed project, entitled "a tiered approach to trauma- and grief-focused…

A tiered-approach to trauma- and grief-focused evidence-based practice delivery in residential and intensive programs - the proposed project, entitled "a tiered approach to trauma- and grief-focused evidence- based practice delivery in residential and intensive programs," is focused on increasing and improving identification and direct service delivery to the disproportionate number of trauma-exposed and bereaved youth hathaway-sycamores child and family services (hscfs) serves in our residential and community-based intensive programs (cbips) across six of the eight service areas in LOS angeles county (LAC). Youth in these programs have had limited access to trauma-and grief-focused evidence-based assessments (ebas) and evidence-based practices (ebps) largely due to funding and policy barriers, despite representing the most vulnerable youth across our geographic catchment area (i.e., disproportionately black [10-79%] and hispanic [33-68%] populations, low socioeconomic status [18-40% below poverty line], underserved communities in terms of access to care). Hscfs is a large, non-profit community mental health center located in LOS angeles county (LAC), california. Hscfs serves a highly diverse youth population, with 9 locations spanning six of the eight service areas across LAC. Our residential and cbips serve many youth who are involved in child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems, and the degree of trauma exposure and grief/loss experiences in this population is substantial and represents a significant service GAP. The proposed project includes a sustainable, tiered plan for increasing and improving identification, assessment, and treatment of youth in our population of need by implementing (a) trauma- and grief-focused screening instruments, (b) comprehensive assessment measures, (c) two trauma- and grief-focused ebps (trauma and grief component therapy for adolescents [tgct-a]; trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy [TF-CBT]), (d) training for all staff roles across our residential and cbips in trauma-informed care (TIC) foundational models to develop shared, trauma-informed language, awareness, and case conceptualization for direct service. In addition, technology-based tools will also be developed and implemented to enhance identification and tracking efforts of youth receiving our services. Predicted measurable outcomes include (a) increased identification and linkages of youth who screen positive for trauma and grief/loss reactions with comprehensive trauma and grief assessments, (b) increased youth enrollment in trauma- and grief-focused ebps, (c) reduction in traumatic stress and bereavement symptoms as measured by clinical outcome measures, and (d) improved attitudes and practices related to TIC organizational principles. Approximately 755 unduplicated youth will be served by the constellation of services included in the proposed project across the life of the grant.