The Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force, established through SB 646 in January 2024, has released a landmark recommendations report outlining a blueprint to advance trauma-informed and healing-centered policies and practices statewide. The Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative at Health & Medicine Policy Research Group is honored to have played a pivotal role in this initiative, working alongside Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, advocates, and community members to develop strategies that center healing, equity, and well-being for all Illinoisans.

The Task Force conducted a year-long, collaborative process to craft cross-cutting recommendations that address key areas such as public awareness, workforce development, sustainability, and policy reform. Key recommendations include:

• Promoting public awareness and education on trauma and healing-centered approaches through culturally responsive campaigns.
• Building cross-sector support by showcasing the human and financial benefits of trauma-informed, healing-centered practices.
• Expanding workforce pipelines with a focus on peer support models.
• Creating a central body to support the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of healing-centered initiatives.
• Allocating sufficient funding to sustain and expand statewide healing-centered efforts.
• Embedding trauma-informed, healing-centered principles into legislation, policies, and regulations.

These recommendations represent a meaningful step forward in transforming systems and addressing the root causes of trauma across Illinois.

“I’m proud of the work of the Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force for their collaboration with advocates and experts in trauma-informed strategies,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “We’ve identified ways to embed trauma-informed, healing-centered principles into legislation, policies, and regulations that can make a positive impact on our most vulnerable communities. Healed people heal people, and as a restorative justice practitioner, I know how critical it is for communities experiencing trauma to receive support in recovery. These are exciting developments in our mission to build a more healing-centered and trauma-informed Illinois.”

The Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative applauds this significant paradigm shift and remains dedicated to partnering with state and community leaders to champion these healing-centered frameworks. Together, we can create a more equitable, compassionate, and flourishing Illinois.