Advancing Trauma-Informed Care Through Innovative Research

The ARC Framework offers an evidence-based methodology for addressing trauma by focusing on attachment, regulation, and competency. It draws from normative childhood development, traumatic stress attachment, and risk and resilience to identify and address essential skills and competencies affected by trauma. ARC supports clinical interventions for youth and families and provides an organizational framework for trauma-informed care in social systems.

Rather than identify step-by-step intervention strategies, the framework identifies 10 key “building blocks”, or intervention targets, key skills/goals within each domain, developmental and cultural considerations, and potential applications across settings. The ARC framework, developed by Kristine M. Kinniburgh and Margaret E. Blaustein while at JRI, is recognized by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) as a promising practice.

Established in 2023 and funded by OJJDP, MAJECT is a multi-tiered mobile service network delivering evidence-based trauma interventions to high-risk and underserved populations, such as trafficked youth, LGBTQ+ youth, and youth of color.

The initiative aims to reduce behavioral health disparities through individual, family, and group therapy, parent workshops, and professional training. Utilizing approaches like ARC, TF-CBT, and PCIT, MAJECT's staff provides comprehensive trauma treatment and support, enhancing care standards and outcomes for trauma-exposed children and families.

This project is a SAMHSA-funded initiative to develop trauma-informed care practices for residential treatment centers serving high-risk youth.

It provides training and technical staff assistance, increases access to evidence-based practices, and builds a trauma-informed workforce to improve care standards and outcomes for these youth.