Bill Overview
Title: Trauma Informed Practices for Workforce Development Act
Description: This bill requires local workforce development boards to develop an action plan for entities within the one-stop delivery system to meet the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma, mental health challenges, or substance use disorder.
Sponsors: Rep. Newman, Marie [D-IL-3]
Target Audience
Population: People who have experienced trauma, mental health challenges, or substance use disorder
Estimated Size: 90000000
- The bill aims to help those who have experienced trauma, mental health challenges, or substance use disorder, with focus on workforce development.
- Trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use conditions are prevalent globally, suggesting a large portion of populations could be impacted.
- Globally, mental health disorders affect 1 in 8 people, according to WHO, suggesting a significant number of individuals who might be impacted.
Reasoning
- The target population is around 90 million people in the U.S., focusing on those with trauma, mental health, or substance use challenges.
- The budget limits mean that not everyone in this target group can be assisted immediately.
- Initial implementation may only reach thousands to a small millions effectively, considering administrative costs, training, and service delivery.
- Priority might be given to areas with higher incidence rates and regions with established infrastructures to quickly adopt and implement programs.
- Some individuals may not experience significant change immediately, but long-term benefits can manifest as local economies and systems adjust to the policies.
Simulated Interviews
Retail Worker (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel like the current system does not understand the scale of trauma and mental health impact on my work life.
- If this act helps employers understand and accommodate better, that would be a huge relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Construction Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about finding a stable job while balancing recovery.
- This act sounds like it would increase opportunities for people in my situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software Developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My industry doesn't really account for mental health challenges openly.
- With more support, I could potentially maintain consistent employment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Teaching can be overwhelming, and it's hard to find spaces that accommodate mental health needs.
- Programs that help schools integrate trauma-informed practices could make a difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
IT Specialist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Workplaces often don't consider past addiction as anything but a disqualifier.
- This act could help change perceptions and create job opportunities for people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Unemployed (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finding and keeping a job seems impossible due to my depression.
- Support through this act would be essential in getting back on my feet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Manufacturing Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Trauma from my past job makes it hard to even think about working again.
- Help in dealing with these issues could allow for new employment options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Health Care Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Health care is demanding, and backing for mental health can create better work environments.
- Hopefully, the act will make real changes to job stability and support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Freelancer (Dallas, TX)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel isolated since nobody seems to understand the challenge of depression in maintaining work.
- Programs that integrate support could lead to more job security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Restaurant Manager (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've managed to cope, but it's always uplifting to know support could extend to work environments too.
- Hopefully, this act will make workplaces more understanding and adaptable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $135000000 (Low: $95000000, High: $175000000)
Year 3: $135000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $180000000)
Year 5: $140000000 (Low: $92000000, High: $185000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- A comprehensive approach will involve setting up new protocols, training modules, and support systems.
- The integration across disparate local boards could lead to variations in effectiveness and cost.
- Monitoring and evaluation will be essential to refine practices and manage costs effectively.