The P.A.C.E. Project: Trauma-Transformative Practices for Adolescent Mental Health in the Other 23 Hours
Tracks
Tamborine Gallery - In-Person Only
| Tuesday, March 25, 2025 |
| 2:05 PM - 2:25 PM |
Overview
Rebecca Cort, The Arches Foundation
Presenter
Rebecca Cort
Executive Leader Research and Development
The Arches Foundation
The P.A.C.E. Project: Trauma-Transformative Practices for Adolescent Mental Health in the Other 23 Hours
Abstract
Abstract: The P.A.C.E. Project is an innovative research initiative aimed at transforming mental health outcomes for trauma-impacted children and adolescents in out-of-home care. Utilizing Dan Hughes’ PACE methodology—Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy—the project seeks to foster resilience and community-based solutions that support recovery from trauma.
Background: Children and adolescents with trauma histories often face significant emotional, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. Traditional therapeutic approaches may not be suitable for the complex settings of residential care. Dr. Dan Hughes’ PACE methodology offers a trauma-transformative, attachment-focused framework that emphasizes building trusting relationships and emotional safety. Research indicates that care teams can collaboratively support the post-trauma growth and mental health of young people in out-of-home care by adopting such approaches.
Methods: The P.A.C.E. Project employs a multi-faceted approach under the Arches Practice Framework. Implementation science ensures that all organizational tiers are trauma-informed, and staff adopt PACE meaningfully. This approach extends community-based practices from training to true implementation. Data collection includes pre- and post-intervention assessments, qualitative interviews, and observational studies to evaluate the impact of the PACE approach on participants’ resilience, mental health, and attachment security.
Results: Preliminary findings show that organisational-wide embedding of the PACE methodology improves emotional regulation, attachment security, and overall mental health in trauma-impacted youth. Care teams report enhanced skills in creating supportive environments and fostering positive relationships with children and adolescents. The project has successfully diffused innovations, as evidenced by increased staff proficiency and confidence in the PACE methodology.
Conclusion: The P.A.C.E. Project highlights the potential of Dan Hughes’ PACE methodology to achieve trauma-transformative outcomes for young people in out-of-home care. By equipping care teams with effective, trauma-informed strategies, the project supports the mental health and well-being of these vulnerable populations. The successful diffusion of innovations underscores the scalability and sustainability of the PACE approach in diverse care-community settings.
Background: Children and adolescents with trauma histories often face significant emotional, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. Traditional therapeutic approaches may not be suitable for the complex settings of residential care. Dr. Dan Hughes’ PACE methodology offers a trauma-transformative, attachment-focused framework that emphasizes building trusting relationships and emotional safety. Research indicates that care teams can collaboratively support the post-trauma growth and mental health of young people in out-of-home care by adopting such approaches.
Methods: The P.A.C.E. Project employs a multi-faceted approach under the Arches Practice Framework. Implementation science ensures that all organizational tiers are trauma-informed, and staff adopt PACE meaningfully. This approach extends community-based practices from training to true implementation. Data collection includes pre- and post-intervention assessments, qualitative interviews, and observational studies to evaluate the impact of the PACE approach on participants’ resilience, mental health, and attachment security.
Results: Preliminary findings show that organisational-wide embedding of the PACE methodology improves emotional regulation, attachment security, and overall mental health in trauma-impacted youth. Care teams report enhanced skills in creating supportive environments and fostering positive relationships with children and adolescents. The project has successfully diffused innovations, as evidenced by increased staff proficiency and confidence in the PACE methodology.
Conclusion: The P.A.C.E. Project highlights the potential of Dan Hughes’ PACE methodology to achieve trauma-transformative outcomes for young people in out-of-home care. By equipping care teams with effective, trauma-informed strategies, the project supports the mental health and well-being of these vulnerable populations. The successful diffusion of innovations underscores the scalability and sustainability of the PACE approach in diverse care-community settings.
Biography
I am an Executive Leader in research and development, specializing in therapeutic innovations for trauma-impacted children and adolescents, and implementation science to diffuse these innovations. I have managed teams across three organizations, integrating neurobiological research into evidence-based practices. My team excels in therapeutic care planning, post-incident support, clinical supervision, neuroscience, and narrative approaches. As a Specialist Consultant, I focus on trauma-informed practice, wellbeing, and mental health. With extensive experience as a Senior Advisor, I have supported the implementation of trauma-informed practices in schools, early learning centers, hospitals, and youth justice departments nationwide.
