Children and youth who are maltreated experience a variety of stresses and situations that impact their ability to develop appropriately. Our program assessment techniques will assist in deciding which actions are required to keep a child in a safe permanent environment. We begin by scheduling physical and dental evaluations. A health check form is completed and maintained in a private, secure manner. We continue the process by collecting information from family members, psychologists, school staff and any other source that is pertinent to the well being of the child.
The Child is Our First Priority
Our team of licensed and certified Clinicians use interviewing strategies and or play therapy to evaluate the child’s ability to function socially and emotionally. We also use role play techniques in addition to targeted assessments. Recommendations for interventions along with group sessions and one on one time with life coaches help facilitate emotional healing and prepares the child to move forward.
- Getting to know the child
- Teaming with other experts
- Evaluating the needs
- Developing an action plan
- Adjusting the plan
- Formulating next steps
“Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” .
— Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa
Children differ in thinking than adults. Just ask a child a question for example, “where do birds go at night?” and listen carefully for the response. Children should be met where they are and given practical guidance to achieve even tiny bits of success. Small successes can mean a lot to a child that is struggling to handle adult size problems daily. As adults, we should take out the time to listen to our children, letting them know that we care about their thoughts even if they don’t always have the right answer.