Implementation
In its pilot year, the Ofek Center—the National Center for Innovation in Resilience, Trauma, and Mental Health of Children and Families—established eight multidisciplinary innovation groups that addressed various aspects of resilience, trauma, and community recovery following the events of October 7th. The groups brought together researchers, professionals, and students to develop new models of support and intervention. A feasibility assessment process is now underway for several selected models, including the development of digital tools designed to expand access to mental health support and community assistance.
Initial outcomes of implementation
Online Interventions to Reduce Emotional Distress During Times of Crisis Among Children and Their Parents
Led by Prof. Dana Lasri
The group addressed the severe shortage in therapeutic capacity following the events of October 7th, when thousands of families sought help at resilience centers in Sderot and other areas and faced prolonged waiting times. To tackle this challenge, the group developed an AI-based online triage and initial assessment system designed to reduce emotional distress and enable more equitable distribution of treatment resources. The system provides families with immediate access during the waiting period and triages users according to severity, symptom profile, and level of urgency. The system is currently in a pre-pilot simulation phase, in which professionals are examining interactions between parents and the system to improve its algorithm, content, and accessibility.
Connection and Community Building for Growth from Grief and Loss: Innovation in Knowledge Integration Tools
Led by Prof. Arna Shemer
At the conclusion of the innovation course, a summary document was produced: Bereavement and Loss from Mass Casualty Events: Guiding Principles for Intervention with Wide Circles of Bereavement. In addition, an article was published in Betipulnet: Treatment of Wide Bereavement Circles: Development of the Field of Mass Casualty Event Bereavement.
As part of the implementation process, mapping of stakeholders in the field began—those involved in providing services on the topic, in policy development, and in research. Following this, a learning and development day is planned to take place at the university in the spirit of the Knowledge Integration Model, which combines professionals, people with knowledge from lived experience of bereavement, and researchers and policy developers on the topic.
Additionally, field application has been made in community work and training processes using the identified action principles and the developed grief dimensions model.
Adolescents as Recipients of Sexual Abuse Disclosures from Their Peers: Developing an Intervention Model
Led by Prof. Dafna Tener
The main outcomes of the innovation group on adolescents as recipients of sexual abuse disclosures from their friends include a photo voice exhibition that was presented at the festive opening of the Haruv Campus for Children and is currently displayed at the School of Social Work on the 5th floor. Additionally, an article was written and accepted for publication in the journal Nekudat Mifgash (Meeting Point). The article was led by an undergraduate student who is a member of the group. Furthermore, a website was created to showcase the exhibition - click here to view.
Innovation - Mental Health 3.0: Innovation in Connections and Tailored Services
Led by Dr. Michal Levinsky
The implementation phase begins with a pilot in the city of Ofakim. At this stage, the mapping phase of all mental health and community services specifically for adolescents has commenced, in order to create a clear and accessible system tailored to their needs. As part of the pilot, we are developing an AI-based conversational tool that offers a simple, supportive initial conversation and directs young people to the most suitable services. The work is being carried out in collaboration with community partners to ensure that the tool reflects the realities and challenges of teenagers in the city. Insights from the pilot will guide further refinement of the bot and help determine how the model can be expanded to additional populations and locations.
