As we are all aware, Trauma-Informed Care is one of the most significant developments in child behavioral health in recent decades. Recognizing the traumatization of children who have been removed from their homes for reasons of neglect or abuse, or have witnessed such abuse, Trauma-Informed Care is providing exciting direction for parents and professionals.  Increasing our knowledge regarding the effects of trauma on brain function will equip the professional with the tools needed to assist the hurt child in the healing process.

In line with the goals of The National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, this collaborative effort between TRAC and Every child, Inc. hopes to shift the current paradigm of asking "what's wrong with you?" to one that asks, "what has happened to you?"; thus recognizing youth as victims of traumatic life events, and supporting them in their journey of survival.

During these next 2 days, we will be encouraged to do an inventory of some of the painful events of our own lives and assess how they have influenced our relationships and the ways in which we interact with the children and families we serve. Our goal for this conference is to cross organizational and professional boundaries in order to encourage a systemic change in the way we work with children involved in the child welfare system.  This holistic approach of engaging child welfare & mental health professionals, educators, and parents will not only yield a greater understanding of trauma across all facets of a child's life, but will equip each of us with the knowledge to respond to the hurting child with one unified, healing voice.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline D. Wilson; MSW/LSW                                          Jesse Mclean, Jr

CEO                                                                                             Executive Director

Three Rivers Adoption Council                                               Every Child, Inc.