Child Response Initiative
The Child Response Initiative (CRI) is a trauma-informed, culturally-competent, and comprehensive coordinated community response for children impacted by violence or trauma and their families. Our integrated approach works with dozens of community partners to achieve our mission of supporting children, families, and adults toward safety and wellness.
Anyone can make a CRI referral.
Four Primary Action Steps of CRI are:
Early Identification
Intervene early to help people exposed to violence and trauma access services that prevent the development of additional emotional or behavioral concerns.
Information & Education
Educate families about the natural reactions to traumatic experiences at different ages so that families are aware of signs and symptoms.
Community Connection & Referral
Connect children and families with the right support at the right times, with an understanding that families may have many needs in addition to counseling such as housing, access to food, and others.
Strengthen Relationships
Strengthen connections between children and parents as well as between families and communities.
History of CRI
In 2008 a group of people came together because they wanted to make a difference. Kellin Foundation co-founders Lindy Beauregard and Dr. Kelly Graves expanded the Greensboro CRI into what it is today. CRI shares many of its tenets in the Child Development-Community Policing (CD-CP) program model (Marans, Murphy, & Berkowitz, 2002), but was uniquely adapted to respond to the needs of the community. The purpose of CRI is to provide community-based, coordinated services delivered within a trauma-informed framework.
The CRI model has been recognized by the US Dept. of Justice and Research Triangle International (RTI) for its effectiveness and replicated now in several places across the US.
From 2008-2022, CRI functioned primarily as a mental health-law enforcement partnership program with the Greensboro Police Department (GPD). Through referrals from law enforcement, Kellin’s CRI advocates are honored to have supported over 30,000 children and families toward safety and wellness over the years.
As a core partner with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, we realize and honor the fact that children who don’t have law enforcement could also benefit from CRI services.
Beginning October 1, 2022, our CRI initiative expanded to receive referrals more broadly. This will allow us to not only continue to serve children referred through law enforcement as needed, but broaden our reach and services for children and families in need through other referral services such as social services, schools, fire, parks and recreation, medical offices, churches, and others in need.
For more information about CRI, or for information about how to receive Training and Technical Assistance for implementation in your community, please contact us.