About ACERT
The ACERT Program is a cross-system network of community agencies, service providers, and local first responders that is dedicated to mitigating the effects of exposure to ACEs among vulnerable children through the use of prevention and trauma-informed intervention strategies. Through a targeted approach to identifying families and children in need, the ACERT Team assesses and refers interested children and their families to appropriate programs and services within their community.
The program was developed in 2015 by the Manchester Police Department, in collaboration with Amoskeag Health, and has since expanded to nearly 20 communities across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Approach
The ACERT Program operates as a referral service mechanism, as opposed to a crisis response mechanism. It takes a two-pronged approach to bring awareness, prevention, and intervention to the community regarding ACEs and their potential impact on individuals and families in connection with health and behavioral outcomes in adulthood:
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Trauma-informed training to first responder and social service agencies to foster a competent, compassionate, and effective workforce about ACEs, trauma, and mitigation strategies.
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Implementation of a systematic and collaborative referral process that connects children and families to community partners who share the vision of the program for provision of direct services (e.g., evidence-based therapy, recreational & therapeutic based groups, mentor programs).
Outcomes
The ACERT Program's activities are designed to meet the following outcomes:
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A trauma-informed cross-system network of community agencies and service providers that is coordinated, easily navigable, and uses best practices when engaging individuals and families who have experienced trauma.
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Families will easily access high-quality services, leaving them feeling supported and safe.
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Improved family and community conditions, such as decreased police involvement, increased resilience, increased trust in police, and reduced adverse outcomes.
CORE TEAM
This team is the backbone of the ACERT Program and consist of the local Police Department and one or two community-based organizations. They are the organizations that operate ACERT, employ and supervise personnel, and manage funding.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The Core Team will have a network of child-oriented, local community-based organizations who will receive warm referrals and offer trauma-informed services to the youth and their families. Partners must be willing to participate in trainings on how to be trauma-informed providers.
ASSESSMENT & REFERRAL
Have a system for identifying the needs of the child and their family, and a referral mechanism for connecting them to the appropriate community providers.
TRAUMA INFORMED TRAINING
Provide trauma-informed training for police, ACERT staff, and the network of community partners.
DATA TRACKING & REPORTING
Have a system for tracking and sharing data related to program implementation.