LINK-KID is a FREE resource for families, providers, and professionals looking to refer children to trauma-focused evidence-based treatment throughout Massachusetts. When a parent, caregiver, or professional calls LINK-KID (1-855-LINK-KID) to make a referral for services, the individual will speak with a clinically trained Resource and Referral Coordinator (RRC) who will collect the basic demographic information about the child and will also complete a full trauma screen with the referral source and/or the parent/caregiver, including collecting a description of the child’s trauma history including various trauma types and related symptoms, reactions, and responses connected with the trauma experience(s). With the information that has been obtained during the trauma screening process, the RRC, in collaboration with the referral source/ caregiver, makes a clinical decision about which evidence-based treatment will be most appropriate for the child. The entire process of making a referral through LINK-KID will take no more than 2 business days and the amount of time from initial call to the referral is tracked closely by LINK-KID staff. 

In addition to telephone support, the RRC also offers to provide trauma related educational material to the caregiver, via electronic or postal mail. Once the screening has been completed, the RRC identifies an evidenced-based practice trained practitioner(s)/ agency(ies) that matches the geography, insurance needs, language needs, and treatment needs of the child and family (e.g., trauma specialty, gender preference, setting of treatment), and a referral to that practitioner/agency will then be made.

The CRS/LINK-KID includes a network of mental health agencies and practitioners who have been trained in evidence-based trauma-focused treatments, with a large database and toll-free number (1-855-LINK-KID), housed and maintained within the University.  If you would like to make a referral for a child who has experienced a traumatic event call, 1-855-LINK-KID Monday through Friday 7:30 – 5:00 pm to speak with a referral coordinator. To learn more  visit the UMass Child Trauma Training Center's website.