The Youth Trauma Program located at the Fernandes Center for Children & Families of Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River became a program of JRI, a nonprofit provider of trauma-informed care to children and families in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut on July 1.

The program will continue to provide assessment and trauma-focused outpatient therapy services to child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and other trauma at its current location and with its existing staff.

“JRI’s focus on trauma-informed care and the highly specialized services that we have developed, particularly across the South Coast, make this a smart and timely move for this program and the children and families that it serves,” said Andy Pond, CEO of JRI, “We are taking a program that is already an outstanding resource for the community and strengthening it.”

Funding for the Youth Trauma Program is provided by the Mass. Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA), through a federal Victims of Crime Act grant.  Saint Anne’s Hospital provides the required matching funds in its role as a collaborator with, and founder of, the Youth Trauma Program. 

“The Youth Trauma Program has a 35 year history of serving children and families with a history of trauma.  By joining JRI, the YTP will become part of an organization that is also very focused on helping children and adolescents overcome trauma.  JRI shares our mission and we are pleased to be joining the agency,” said Jennifer Salem-Russo, Program Director of the Youth Trauma Program. “We anticipate a seamless transition for children and families.”