MADISON, WI — Children who experience abuse often carry the effects of that trauma long after the abuse ends. Without the right support, those experiences can impact mental health, relationships, educational success and long-term well-being. 

To help children and families access the care they need, Dean Health Plan by Medica is investing $152,000 over multiple years to support the expansion of Canopy Center’s Multisystemic Therapy (MST) model, an evidence-based approach that helps children process trauma while strengthening the caregiver and family relationships essential to long-term healing. 

Healing from abuse is rarely accomplished through short-term intervention alone. Children often need consistent support, trusted adult relationships and coordinated services that help families heal together. The MST model is designed to provide that support by working with both children and caregivers to improve stability, strengthen family functioning, and reduce the risk of future trauma. 

“Every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow and thrive after experiencing trauma,” said Josh Gustafson, Wisconsin Market President for Medica. “As a community health plan, we believe improving community health means supporting organizations that address challenges before they become lifelong barriers. Canopy Center is helping children and families rebuild their lives, and we’re proud to invest in services that make that healing possible.” 

The need remains significant. Wisconsin health officials report that nearly 37% of children have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience and nearly 16% have experienced two or more. These experiences can affect a child’s health, mental well-being, learning and long-term outcomes. 

Locally, demand for children’s trauma recovery services continues to be significant across Dane County. Through its Oasis program, Canopy Center has served hundreds of children and delivered thousands of hours of therapy and family support services. The organization provides trauma-informed care designed to help children recover while reducing the long-term effects abuse can have on health, education and family stability. 

“Children recover best when the adults around them have the tools and support to heal alongside them,” said Sarah Berndt, Executive Director at the Canopy Center. “This investment allows us to reach more families, expand access to evidence-based care and help create stability and support children need to move forward after trauma.” 

Dean Health Plan’s investment will help expand these services and strengthen access to family-centered care at a time when many behavioral health providers continue to face increasing demand and ongoing funding challenges. 

“Healing after trauma takes an entire community,” Gustafson said. “Whether we live in Madison, Southcentral Wisconsin or anywhere across our state, we are all connected. When we come together to support children and families facing their toughest challenges, we help create a Wisconsin where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”