Service providers and the children, youth, and families whom they serve have long faced system barriers which often present more challenges than solutions. In today’s climate, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated many of these issues, forcing child and youth-serving providers to find unique ways to meet the needs of individuals and communities. For many reasons, the relevance and timing of the arrival of the Virginia HEALS model of service delivery could not have been more perfect.
Developed as part of the Linking Systems of Care (LSC) for Children and Youth, a demonstration initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), this model aims to assist service providers in better linking systems of care across systems and providing support and care to children, youth, and families impacted by trauma and/or victimization. Many providers daily wonder, “What has happened to this child or individual? How can I help or refer them to the most suitable services that will meet their most pressing needs? How do I engage their family in the process and healing? How do I provide these services in a trauma-informed manner?”
As a result, a toolkit of resources including a trauma screening tool, a referral and response protocol, and several trainings was designed to support community and state-level implementation of the Virginia HEALS Model for the provision of services and referrals to children, youth, and families. E-learning modules are available to support the toolkit, and a series of web-based training sessions facilitated by the Virginia HEALS team is now available. Registration (using the links below) for these events is required.
- Virginia HEALS Toolkit Overview (45 minutes)
October 5, 2:00 PM; October 13, 11:00 AM; October 20, 2:30 PM; October 26, 2:00 PM; November 3, 11:00 AM; or November 9, 2:00 PM
- Screening for Experiences and Strengths (2 hours, participation on camera required)
October 7, 2:00 PM; October 14, 10:00 AM; October 21, 2:30 PM; October 28, 2:00 PM; November 4, 10:00 AM; or November 11, 2:00 PM
- Referral and Response Protocol (2 hours, participation on camera required)
October 9, 2:00 PM; October 15, 10:00 AM; October 22, 2:30 PM; October 30, 2:00 PM; November 5, 10:00 AM; or November 13, 2:00 PM
For more information, visit the Virginia HEALS website or contact Laurie Crawford, Project Manager, at laurie.crawford@dss.virginia.gov or 804.726.7773.
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