System Transformation: An Update on Progress and Outcomes of Trauma Services in Philadelphia, PA

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Public Health Initiatives
• Trauma-Informed Care

Background:

• Childhood trauma significantly impacts development and well-being.
• Effective systems are needed to address the prevalence of trauma in urban youth populations.
• The Philadelphia Alliance for Child Trauma Services III (PACTS III) was established to build a sustainable trauma system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an update on the progress and outcomes of the PACTS III initiative.
• To detail the expansion of trauma-focused services in Philadelphia.
• To highlight advancements in trauma identification and intervention.

Main Methods:

• Training 601 clinicians and supervisors in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).
• Screening approximately 23,000 youth for trauma exposure.
• Expanding the provider network from 3 to 21 community behavioral health agencies.

Main Results:

• 8,420 youth received TF-CBT services.
• Significant expansion of access to trauma care through a larger provider network.
• Enhanced capacity for trauma identification and intervention within the community.

Conclusions:

• The PACTS III initiative has successfully expanded trauma services for children and youth in Philadelphia.
• The program has demonstrated a significant enhancement in the city's trauma identification and intervention system.
• Ongoing evaluation is underway to determine client-level impacts of the implemented system overhaul.