About TX-CTRN

The impact of childhood trauma is a critical public health crisis. In Texas, a powerful collaborative effort has been established to combat it: the Texas Childhood Trauma Research Network (TX-CTRN).

Created by the 86th Texas Legislature as the research arm of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (TCMHCC), the TX-CTRN unites the state’s leading health-related institutions to address the urgent mental health challenges faced by its youth. The network is not just an academic endeavor; it’s a vital, coordinated effort to transform the care system for our children who have experienced traumatic events.

TX-CTRN Timeline
Passage of SB11 in Texas and the Inception of the Texas Childhood Trauma Research Network

2019

January–May — The 86th Texas Legislature convenes, with school safety and mental health as legislative priorities.

March — Senate Bill 11 (SB11), focused on school safety and mental health, is introduced in the Texas Senate.

May 21 — SB11 passes in the Texas Senate.

May 22 — SB11 passes in the Texas House of Representatives.

June 6 — Governor Greg Abbott signs SB11 into law.

September 1 — SB11 officially takes effect, mandating new requirements for school safety, mental health support, and trauma-informed care in Texas public schools.

2020

Early 2020 — Planning begins for statewide initiatives to address childhood trauma, in response to SB11’s requirements for trauma-informed practices.

September — The Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (TCMHCC) is established as part of SB11. The Texas Childhood Trauma Research Network (TX-CTRN) is conceptualized as a collaborative effort among Texas academic health institutions as the research arm of the TCMHCC.

2021

January — The TX-CTRN officially launches, bringing together researchers, clinicians, and community partners to advance trauma-informed care and research across Texas.

Throughout 2021 — TX-CTRN initiates pilot projects, research studies, and training programs to support trauma-informed practices in schools and healthcare settings.

2022–Present

TX-CTRN continues to expand its research, training, and outreach efforts, supporting the implementation of trauma-informed care in alignment with SB11’s mandates and improving outcomes for children affected by trauma across Texas.