Intervention to help children affected by the pandemic and disasters

Pragmatic RCT of a Multi-level Mechanistically Informed Community Intervention to Prevent the Onset of Behavioral Health Symptoms Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Pandemic Affected Children

Not applicable Interventional University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NCT05639465

This study is testing a program called Journey of Hope-C19 to see if it can help children from disadvantaged communities cope better and avoid mental health problems after experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 14 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other
Locations9 sites (Bradenton, Florida and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05639465 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on preventing behavioral health symptoms in racial and ethnic minority children who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other large-scale disasters. It evaluates the efficacy and implementation of a prevention intervention called Journey of Hope-C19, which is designed to support children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The intervention aims to enhance coping skills and prosocial behavior while providing social support to mitigate the onset of mental health issues. The study will involve children in grades 3-8 who meet specific criteria and will be conducted in various locations in Florida.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children in grades 3-8 who have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and another large-scale disaster, and who show signs of emotional distress.

Not a fit: Children currently receiving treatment for a diagnosed mental health condition may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of mental health issues among vulnerable children affected by the pandemic and disasters.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar preventative interventions in post-disaster settings, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* child experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and an additional large-scale disaster
* child score is 5 or above on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
* child is in 3- 8th grade at enrollment
* the parent or guardian must complete informed consent and child assent
* child must speak English or Spanish.

Exclusion Criteria:

* child is currently receiving treatment for a diagnosed mental health condition
* children who are not able to interact with other students in a group work format, regardless of IEP status

Where this trial is running

Bradenton, Florida and 8 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Emotional DistressProsocial BehaviorPandemic, COVID-19Coping SkillsSocial Support
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.