In the stimulus package passed at the end of 2020, there were some notable investments that can be directed toward addressing trauma.
- Directly addressing ACEs and trauma:
- $10 million more was allocated to National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
- $50 million more for SAMHSA’s Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education)
- $600 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.
- Directly addressing racial equity:
- $300 million for targeted outreach and education and vaccine distribution in communities of color
- Paycheck Protection Program guidelines to more intentionally reach businesses run by people of color
- Investment in greater internet access for low-income families and communities (both urban and rural)
- With respect to housing:
- The eviction moratorium was extended until 1/31/2021
- $25 billion for rental assistance will be distributed via state and local governments
- $54.3 billion for school districts (state-by-state allocations forthcoming) – the law allows these funds to be spent in part on addressing social-emotional well-being of children and implementing trauma-informed supports
- $5 million for enhanced data collection on ACEs by the CDC and language supporting the work of the federal Interagency Task Force on Child Trauma appeared in FY21 Appropriations
Much like the Campaign action around CARES Act funding that took place in 2020, there is an opportunity for everyone in the Campaign network to mobilize in their states for education and other funding to be used to provide trauma- and resilience-informed support in schools to respond to pandemic-related stress.
Additionally, we believe that there will be a larger stimulus package passed in the near future. The Campaign will be advocating that more direct support be included to address trauma and build resilience.
We thank members of the Campaign network once again! We believe that our the Campaign network’s efforts contributed mightily to the above victories, and we look forward to continuing to support advocates nationwide to advance trauma- and resilience-informed policies, programs, and practices!