Assessing and addressing community trauma in children
Official title: Responding to Community Trauma: A Feasibility and Effectiveness Study of An Interdisciplinary Anti-Racist, Structurally Competent, and Culturally Responsive Assessment Model
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10952677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping kids who have experienced community violence, especially those from underprivileged neighborhoods, by offering supportive sessions at the REACT Clinic in Chicago to help them and their families heal and feel empowered, no matter if they were physically hurt or not.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MD019785-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been exposed to community violence, particularly those from marginalized racial and economic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to community violence or who are outside the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a new model to help children exposed to community violence, particularly in racially and economically disadvantaged areas. It aims to provide trauma-informed assessments and case management to pediatric patients and their families, regardless of whether they have been physically injured. The approach involves a series of three sessions at the REACT Clinic in Chicago, which emphasizes healing and empowerment for affected families. By integrating psychological support and social work, the project seeks to address the mental and physical health impacts of community violence on children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of children affected by community violence.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with trauma-informed care models in similar populations, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dinizulu, Sonya J — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Dinizulu, Sonya J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.