Researchers from the 2CW lab are currently collaborating with the TRACEs initiative here in Central Oregon. TRACEs (which stands for Trauma, Resiliency and Adverse Childhood Experiences; traceco.org) is a collective impact initiative here in Central Oregon focused on building resilience.  TRACEs envisions “a region where every community has the strengths, social supports and community resources needed for every individual to thrive”. Our work with TRACEs is highlighted in their Community Impact Report and many presentations and products have been produced for and in collaboration with TRACEs partners.  

TRACEs YCFC Efforts. Current efforts are largely focused on working with TRACEs community partner organizations who are affiliated with the Youth and Children in and at-risk for Foster Care (YCFC) workgroup. The YCFC workgroup consists of cross-region partners representing various sectors (early childhood, health, youth services and advocacy, etc.).  We actively participate in YCFC meetings and helped the workgroup develop a theory of change for their portfolio evaluation, and collate and report out YCFC portfolio findings.  Results are used to inform next steps. 

Nurturing Resilience through Collaboration. Early on the workgroup became interested in Collaboration and there is a research study underway with this workgroup focused on understanding facilitators and barriers to interagency collaboration.