Presented by CCAP's Comprehensive Behavioral Health Task Force
In the United States, 70 percent of adults have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lifetime. Exposure to trauma, which includes abuse, neglect, discrimination, violence, and other adverse experiences, increases a person’s lifelong potential for serious health problems. The purpose of this virtual education series was to educate counties on how to become trauma-informed so they can better respond to the needs of their residents. This series was comprised of four sessions which addressed the impact of COVID-19 on residents and staff, Pennsylvania’s Trauma Informed Plan, tips for counties to become trauma informed, and considerations for successful re-entry programs.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Front Line County Staff
September 4, 2020
- Bill Bechtold, Warden, Franklin County Jail
- Dr. Pamela Rollings, VP Behavioral Health Services, Co-Corporate Medical Director, PrimeCare Medical, Inc.
This session addressed the challenges and stressors faced by front line employees during the pandemic and provided first-hand experiences and suggestions on what supports are needed for employees.
Trauma Informed PA Plan
September 18, 2020
Overview of the Pennsylvania Portal
- Dan Jurman, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Advocacy and Reform
- Pam Howard, MH/DD/EI Administrator, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
- Robert Reed, Executive Deputy Attorney General, Office of Public Engagement
This session covered the work of the Governor’s Office of Advocacy and Reform’s Trauma Informed Think Tank along with the recently released Trauma Informed PA Plan. In addition, this session included a brief presentation on the new Pennsylvania Portal for ACE Connections.
Becoming Trauma Informed 101
October 2, 2020
- Dan Jurman, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Advocacy and Reform
- Pam Howard, MH/DD/EI Administrator, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
- Jennifer Lopez, Executive Director, Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children
This session included information to help counties understand what it means to be trauma informed, its benefits, and a blueprint on where to start. Panelists provided a broad overview of trauma informed programs along with a county example. This session also included a brief presentation on considerations related to gender and race.
Re-Entry 101
October 16, 2020
- Charla Plaines, Reentry & PA Reentry Council Coordinator, Office of Attorney General
- Peggy Kershner, Co-Executive Director, Berks Connections/Pretrial Services
- Michael Leister, Re-Entry Coordinator, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
- Jay Leamy, Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Chester County Justice Center
This session provided an overview of re-entry including what it is, why it is done, and its benefit for individuals and counties. Panelists discussed the resources that are available to counties along with a detailed look at a successful county re-entry program.