Pre-Conference Activities

 Prior to the Symposium, Texas Christian University and Community Solutions of Fort Worth are conducting community assessments. They will assess the willingness of the community to adopt evidence-based practices, as well as the evidence-based practices that are currently available in Tarrant County. The results will provide a baseline, allowing for measurement of progress in the years to come.

TCU is addressing the readiness of Tarrant County to incorporate the latest evidence-based practices into current programs. David Cross, PhD, director of developmental research at TCU, and Angie Walston, program/outreach coordinator of the TCU Institute of Child Development, are conducting "The Community Readiness Model: Research to Practice." The interview subjects include practitioners who provide mental health services.

Community Solutions is assessing which evidence-based practices and programs are currently being implemented and the target population they are serving. Vicki Warren, clinical director, and Lisa Benton, technical assistance coordinator, are conducting in-person interviews with area agencies that provide mental health services for children and adolescents. The sample includes both members and non-members of Mental Health Connection. The assessment will establish a comprehensive matrix of evidence-based practices within the Tarrant County System of Care.