Healing youth: mental health services for underserved youth in alameda and contra costa counties - catholic charities of the east BAY's healing youth project will provide direct mental health services…

Healing youth: mental health services for underserved youth in alameda and contra costa counties - catholic charities of the east BAY's healing youth project will provide direct mental health services to 1,500 underserved black/african-american, latinx, and immigrant youth (ages 14-24) impacted by complex and ongoing trauma in alameda and contra costa counties. The program will use evidence-based, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and adaptations to incorporate culturally relevant engagement strategies. Project goals are: (1) to improve mental health for children, adolescents, and their families, who experience traumatic events, and (2) to increase community capacity to respond to complex traumas that affects both individual youth as well as whole communities. Goal 1 objectives are to (a) provide culturally and linguistically relevant, trauma-informed, and evidence-based mental health services that are based in restorative practice to 1,500 unduplicated trauma-impacted youth and their families in alameda and contra costa counties over 5 years (300 youth served annually); and (B) increase access to effective trauma- and grief-focused treatment and service systems for underserved youth and families in alameda and contra costa counties by expanding the number of culturally and linguistically relevant providers in school- and community-based locations who can provide free services for uninsured and underinsured youth during the 5-year grant period. Goal 2 objectives are to (a) provide 1,500 hours and 60 sessions of outreach, training, and coaching over 5 years to school staff, teachers, students, families, community members, and other mental health providers on mental health promotion, trauma, restorative trauma-informed responses to student behavior, evidence-based treatment models, and restorative practices-based approach to clinical services; and (B) collaborate with national, state, and local partners to provide and receive training, and share best practices related to culturally relevant, trauma-informed restorative practices. Project activities to achieve these goals and measurable objectives will include clinical trauma treatment, intensive case management, group-based restorative practices, and a variety of coaching, training, and outreach strategies at local, state, and national levels. Project outcomes related to improvements in ptsd symptoms, emotional regulation, social and emotional skills, and other factors will be measured using appropriate assessment and data collection instruments at standard intervals over the life of the project.