Partner Spotlight: Children's Research Triangle

Beginning in 2015, the Children’s Research Triangle (CRT) received multi-year support as a part of Bright Promises’ “Promoting Resilience” initiative. Children’s Research Triangle aims to provide trauma-informed support and systems within the child welfare legal community so that vulnerable populations receive trauma-informed representation and advocacy.

Like Bright Promises Foundation, CRT's vision is grounded in the belief that all youth deserve to have a safe and nurturing home and to receive the support necessary to lead happy and fulfilled lives. For this initiative, CRT is partnering with Court Appointed Special Advocates in Lake and Cook County, and the Cook County Office of Public Guardian to provide services to children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other forms of complex trauma. All of these children and their families are involved in the child-welfare system.

So far, Children’s Research Triangle has presented at four professional development trainings and presented on trauma and compassion fatigue at the Illinois Court Appointed Special Advocate State Conference. Later this year, they are slated to provide trauma-informed trainings to judges, attorneys, and courtroom personnel working in Circuit Court Child Protection Division. Children’s Research Triangle continues to work to expand knowledge on the impact of complex trauma and to encourage providers to address impact trauma on systems levels.