U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on Dec. 11 unveiled a bipartisan bill that would improve support for the nearly 35 million children nationwide who have experienced at least one traumatic experience in their lives.
The Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act, S. 3461, which Sen. Capito cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), would improve the identification and support of children and families who experience trauma, expand the trauma-informed workforce in schools, healthcare settings, social services, first responders, and the justice system, and increase resources for communities to address the impact of trauma.
“This legislation builds on the work we have done over the past several years and reflects the needs I continue to hear from West Virginians across the state,” Sen. Capito said. “By aiming to increase resources for our communities and taking steps to educate and expand our workforce, this legislation will help to prevent future substance abuse and violence, provide assistance and hope to our most vulnerable, and empower our next generation.”
Specifically, S. 3461 would create a new, $600-million grant program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fund community-based coalitions that coordinate stakeholders and deliver targeted local services to address trauma.
The bill also would create a new HHS grant program to support hospital-based trauma interventions, such as for patients that suffer violent injuries, to address mental health needs, prevent re-injury, and improve long-term outcomes, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Capito’s staff.
Additionally, S. 3461 would enhance federal training programs at HHS, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Education to provide more tools for early childhood clinicians, teachers, school leaders, first responders, and community leaders, among other provisions.
“Our bipartisan RISE from Trauma Act invests in our communities and our workforce to support children and families facing trauma so they can heal their emotional scars and build a brighter future,” said Sen. Durbin.
The legislation has been endorsed by numerous groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Futures Without Violence, the National PTA, the American Psychological Association Services, and the National Association of School Psychologists, among others.