Anthem Integrates Trauma-Informed Program to Address Foster Care Risks

Event summary

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia and 3Strands Global Foundation have partnered to integrate the 'ELEVATE' program into the Virginia Foster Care Specialty Plan (FCSP).
  • The ELEVATE program provides tailored training for youth, guardians, caregivers, and Care Managers, focusing on areas like digital literacy, legal rights, and abuse prevention.
  • The initiative specifically targets the heightened risk of exploitation and harm faced by youth in the foster care system.
  • 3Strands Global Foundation's mission is to 'Prevent, Empower, Unite' and focuses on ending human trafficking.
  • The partnership aims to shift the foster care system from a reactive to a proactive model.

The big picture

This partnership reflects a growing trend among healthcare providers to address social determinants of health and proactively mitigate risks within vulnerable populations. The integration of trauma-informed care into the FCSP signals a shift away from traditional reactive healthcare models towards a more holistic and preventative approach. The initiative's focus on digital literacy and online safety also highlights the increasing importance of addressing technology-related risks within child welfare systems.

What we're watching

Program Efficacy
The success of the ELEVATE program will hinge on its ability to demonstrably reduce exploitation and improve outcomes for foster care youth, requiring rigorous data collection and analysis.
Scalability
Given 3Strands Global Foundation’s focus on broader human trafficking prevention, the potential exists for Anthem to expand this model to other states, but regulatory and funding hurdles may complicate that path.
Funding Sustainability
The long-term viability of the program will depend on securing consistent funding from Anthem, government agencies, and potentially philanthropic donors, as specialized programs often face budgetary pressures.