The Pediatric Trauma-Informed Research and Care Collaboration (PTIRCC) seeks to build an evidence-base for integrated pediatric healthcare systems that reduces the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) for parents and children.
The collaboration is led by the Child and Family Research Institute located within the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin and the Dell Children’s Medical Center Trauma Research Team (possibly DFPS). The collaboration is also guided by Heather Larkin, PhD, University at Albany (SUNY), who is an expert in the application of the original Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES) to Social Work practice.
The ACE study conducted by Anda and Felliti suggested that traumatic childhood experiences impact adult health outcomes. Both trauma-informed care and ACE research point to the need for holistic interventions that recognize and acknowledge the impact of traumatic experiences while also honoring the need for safety, security and healing of trauma survivors.
The collaboration is open to all practitioners and researchers in the Central Texas area interested in conducting research and/or evaluation related to childhood trauma. Our collaboration if guided by the following principles:
- Social work practice and theory supports the need to incorporate the biopsychosocial and ecological systems perspectives into healthcare settings through integrated healthcare teams which may include medical providers and social workers.
- The integration of trauma-informed practices within pediatric medical setting should proceed conscientiously to ensure that proper supports are in place to provide wraparound services not just to children, but also parents who have experienced trauma.
- Interprofessional education and training provides a foundation for translating trauma-informed practices into pediatric medial settings.
Collaboration members:
Co-Chairs
Barbara L. Jones, PhD, MSW
Assistant Dean for Health Affairs & Associate Professor
Karla Lawson, PhD, MPH
Director, Trauma and Injury Research Center, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas
Clinical Assistant Professor, Dell Medical School
Coordinators:
Beth Gerlach, PhD, LCSW
Associate Director, Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing
Amanda Barczyk, PhD, MSW
Associate Director of Research, Dell Children’s Trauma and Injury Research Center,
Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work
ACES Expert:
Heather Larkin, PhD, LMSW
Professor, University of Albany
Members:
Monica Faulkner, PhD, LMSW
Director, Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing
Sasha Rasco
Director, DFPS Prevention and Early Intervention Services
Sarah Duzinski, MPH
Associate Director of Programs & Evaluation, Dell Children’s Trauma and Injury Research Center
Meeting Information:
If you are interested in attending coalition meetings, please email Dr. Beth Gerlach.