About

Linking Systems of Care (LSOC) seeks to help identify young people who have experienced trauma so they and their families may receive the appropriate services. LSOC partners include the University of Montana Criminology Research Group; the University of Montana Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development; the Children’s Mental Health Bureau; and stakeholders from across the state.

LSOC’s work starts with the identification of trauma and victimization in youth. With this in mind, the project team is working to implement use of the Montana Experiences and Expressions Screener (EES) statewide. The EES, comprised of 26 questions, was constructed upon extensive academic research and data gathering from national experts and statewide service providers.
Research findings from screening instrument administration is being used to identify the prevalence of victimization and trauma in Montana children. Young people who show signs of abuse and trauma through screening and their families are referred to services deemed appropriate to help foster resilience and recovery. Examples of services facilitated through Montana EES screening include mental health care, parenting classes, and transitional housing assistance for survivors of domestic violence. In November 2020, the EES was automated in the Connect referral system. Such digitization stands to further streamline the referral process.

By facilitating access to services and coordination within and among child-serving organizations, the LSOC team and partners seek to help heal children affected by early adversities and their families. LSOC’s directive to increase trauma readiness and trauma training across the state is further aiding in the provision of more consistent care.
The Mineral County Health Department was the first to use the EES. The LSOC team has worked with Mineral County school administrators to craft protocols for screening young people in area educational institutions. Through a partnership with Montana Youth Court Services, meanwhile, the project is also screening justice-involved youth statewide.

LSOC is now working to launch screening projects with partner organizations across Montana. We are also seeking new allies to help support youth screened and their families.

Project Team

Natalia Bowser

Crime Control Bureau Chief
NBowser@mt.gov
(406)-444-4244

Jess Mayrer

University of Montana
Policy Coordinator
jessica.mayrer@live.com
(406) 239-1682

Partners