debor016

In creating our traditional behavior management systems, we operated from the premise that earning rewards and privileges would be the principle motivator for the children in treatment to change. We expected the children to change their behaviors so that they could earn more points and go up in the levels. In order to interest them in doing this, we had to have as many aspects of daily living as possible be contingent. Because we couldn’t actually neglect or abuse the children, we were already limited in what parts of life we could make the children earn. We were not allowed to use food, for example. So, we looked through the day and considered what could be part of the level system. We asked the children. And each system ended up with lots of things that the children could not have unless they were on a certain level. These ranged from extra TV and Nintendo time, to later bedtimes, to posters on their walls, to trips and special events, to lining up first in lines, to contact and visi...

The most essential characteristic of a therapist that will succeed in a trauma informed congregate care treatment program is that he or she likes the children and their families. This probably cannot be taught. These children can be difficult, demanding, and try anyone’s patience. If the therapist does not find them delightful, cannot see their goodness, does not look forward to being with them, she will have nothing to help her get through the bad parts. The children generally feel hopeless. They do not see their own worth and cannot imagine a positive future for themselves. If the therapist cannot do that, who will? And at times the therapist holds the hope for the whole team. One role of the therapist is to see a picture of how this particular child would be if he were at his best, even while remaining aware of the child’s current reality. The therapist who genuinely cares about and appreciates the children and their families can do this. A therapist in a congregate care setting mus...

On the first of October I presented a Keynote speech and a workshop to the Midwest Regional Conference of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. It has been interesting and rewarding to get to know these programs, which include both therapeutic residential school and Wilderness Adventure programs. They are beginning to utilize trauma informed care in their treatment approaches in unique ways. I then travelled to Hawaii with my colleague Steve Brown to provide Risking Connection and Restorative Approach training to an agency there, Child and Family Service. It was a wonderful experience. It is certainly the only training at which I have been presented with two leis, one at the beginning and one at the end. I loved the Aloha spirit of the people in our training- they were so welcoming and helpful. The emphasis on multi cultural awareness was very moving. We can all learn from the way Hawaii incorporates all cultures into daily life. We had both agency personnel and...