TRAC Supporting Families and Communities

By Janice Lane Palko

If you were to describe TRAC in one word, it may be “support.” When so much in our world from our communities to our families to our mental health seem to be unstable, TRAC is there to help support children, families, the community and its well-being.

TRAC was founded in 1979 as the Three Rivers Adoption Council to help children in need of a loving home be adopted. Today, TRAC Services for Families not only is a full-service agency for adoption and foster family recruitment, but it also works to place special needs children, provides post-permanency support and education as well as mental health resources. 

In March, Ja-Neen Jones, MSOL, became the CEO of TRAC, after having served there for 19 years prior to assuming this new role. Since the COVID epidemic, Jones has seen several needs grow within the community. “With the onset of the epidemic, people were afraid to open their hearts and homes, so now there is a shortage of foster parents nationwide,” said Ms. Jones. “We are always looking for foster families, even respite families—those willing to care for a child on a temporary basis.” 

In addition to the rise in the need for foster parents, especially for older children and teens, Ms. Jones has seen an explosion in mental health issues. “There is a new paradigm; we knew we couldn’t do things the old way, so while our clinic specializes in working with families associated with the foster care system, we shifted our focus so that our clinic is available to all adults and children that need mental health resources. We find that many in the black community particularly don’t have access to therapy, and we have a psychiatrist as well as a CRNP on staff who can manage medications and assist people to heal.” 

Ms. Jones noted that their approach to therapy is holistic. “We work with the parents and the children to promote healing. We are about striving for a better future and not just surviving,” she said.

With the holidays coming, many people look to help those in need. If you are not able to be a foster or adoptive parent, you can support TRAC by making a donation or providing gift cards. 

For more information on how to give and about TRAC and their many programs including their mental health program, visit the website at: tracpgh.org or call: (412) 471-8722.