School Mental Health: Childhood-Trauma Learning Collaborative

 School Mental Health: Childhood-Trauma Learning Collaborative

Educators are often the first line of support in addressing mental health needs for students. They recognize the impact mental health has on learning and achievement. The Childhood-Trauma Learning Collaborative (C-TLC) is the learning community of the New England MHTTC’s School Mental Health Initiative. Our mission is to enhance school culture and prepare professionals in education and mental health to improve and support the mental health and resiliency of school-aged children in the New England region, particularly those who have/are at-risk of experiencing trauma.

Through the C-TLC, public and private Pre-K-12 schools in New England gain access to evidence-based mental health resources to enhance their awareness of childhood trauma and related neurobiological implications. Our training and technical assistance supports focus on the benefits of mindfulness practices for youth, as well as ways to strengthen, value, and increase social emotional competence, accelerate learning, and develop a sense of well-being for students, teachers, and the wider school community.

School Mental Health News and Updates

Family peer support is more important than ever as we face a workforce crisis with more children and adults needing mental health support than there are clinicians to provide that support. Working with families to support youth mental health is an important aspect of holistic healing. A mental health crisis or challenge that one family member experiences affects the entire family system. Organizations like National Federation of Families (NFF), National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC), and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) make sure that families understand what mental illness is, how to use community and evidence-based practices to recover, and where to turn to in times of crisis.

If you know of any families struggling with mental health, share some of these resources with them:

• Resources to Help Children and Families Cope with Tragic Events from NFF
• Crisis Resources for Families from NFF
• Family Engagement and Self-Care for Families Courses from NFF
• Expert Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Family Mental Health from NFSTAC
• Family Mental Health Support Resources from NFSTAC
• Family Support Groups from NAMI
• NAMI's Video Resource Library
  
   

Our Program: Working Together to Address Trauma

Is your school prepared to care for all of the students, staff, and families in your community? Our program is designed to help school communities establish a compassionate cultural foundation for strong relationships and holistic skills to weather stress, trauma, and promote well-being for the entire school population. View our Compassionate School Mental Health model and lean into this approach to leadership and social-emotional learning via our Cultivating Compassionate Schools Community of Practice.

Local Experts in the Field

The C-TLC is supported by a diverse group of 20 educational leaders and mental health professionals who disseminate trauma-skilled, child-centered resources that improve resilience, learning, and achievement for children who have experienced/are at risk of experiencing trauma. C-TLC Fellows and Ambassadors help school staff to vision, plan, and monitor the implementation of compassionate practices.

Join the C-TLC

Through the C-TLC, educators and behavioral health professionals working with youth in schools and/or agencies or nonprofit organizations gain access to evidence-based mental health resources to enhance their awareness of childhood trauma and related neurobiological implications. Review and complete our C-TLC Membership Application. Return your completed form via email to our Communications and Program Strategist Ingrid Padgett.

Products and Resources

C-TLC resources include webinars, book study opportunities, and curated articles and learning resources, as well as a members-only community of practice where members connect virtually across organizations, districts, and states to share knowledge and experience. To view our resources, click here. 

Compassion Action

Our bimonthly e-newsletter shares best practices for cultivating compassionate school communities that support positive well-being and mental health. View our archive and sign up to receive our publication.

Training Highlights

Is your school trauma-skilled? Are you/your colleagues looking for mental health resources to better support your students? Join our complimentary online events designed to strengthen mental health supports that address the needs of children who have experienced/are at risk of experiencing significant trauma. View our archived trainings in the New England MHTTC Resources and Products Catalog.

Visit our Virtual Training Library to select a learning track and drive professional development activities as you/your colleagues begin or extend your journey toward compassionate school mental health practices that support school staff, students, parents, and the wider school community.

Cultivating Compassionate School Communities that Respond to Trauma Effectively

Compassionate Leadership: Preventing and Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Burnout

Welcoming Students, Staff, and Families Back to School with Compassion

Giving Youth the Tools to Advocate for Their Well-Being