Two SSRI cofunded faculty members were recently selected to join Governor Tom Wolf’s 'Trauma-Informed PA Think Tank', a statewide initiative to develop the commonwealth's capacity for trauma-informed care.
Chad Shenk, associate professor of human development and family studies and associate professor in the department of pediatrics, and Christian Connell, associate professor of human development and family studies and associate director of the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, were selected as part of a 25-person group to take part in the initiative.
The Trauma-Informed PA Think Tank’s committee will focus exclusively on setting guidelines and benchmarks for trauma-informed care within the state.
Such standards set by the committee will direct state agency, local government, and nonprofit organization efforts to develop capacity for trauma-informed care and support of Pennsylvania individuals and communities.
After the committee develops guidelines, an advisory role will be provided to the Office of Advocacy and Reform as it builds a network of trauma-informed providers.
The individuals selected, Shenk and Connell included, represent a broad range of disciplines and expertise to create this set of standards and implement changes where necessary.