Immediate Interventions for Children Exposed to Violence (Ages 0-18)

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Target Audience

Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, and other health care professionals.

Description

Research indicates children exposed to violence and trauma are at risk of short- and long-term physical and mental health problems, which can create behavioral challenges at home, in school, and in the community. Unfortunately, some will become involved in the criminal justice system. Many evidence-based clinical interventions have emerged for treating trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and training is available for therapists to become proficient in those models. However, many professionals find themselves in the role of first responder, with little to no training on how to intervene in the immediate aftermath of such overwhelming events. Police officers, EMTs, firefighters, emergency room health care providers, child welfare social workers, mental health professionals, and others can increase their effectiveness helping these vulnerable children by learning what actions to take in such situations. This training will explore the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents, and teach specific, developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed hands-on interventions for first responders. These will be taught in a manner that is useful for any professional, particularly those who are not licensed mental health clinicians.

Faculty
Sarah M. Greene, LCSW

Charlotte AHEC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Charlotte AHEC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

Objectives

• Explain how children exposed to violence and other trauma are at greater risk for future involvement in the criminal justice system, as well as negative physical and emotional health consequences;
• Describe the benefits (to children, families, communities and professionals) of responding effectively to children using both developmentally-appropriate and trauma-informed approaches following violent crimes and other potentially traumatic and/or overwhelming events;
• Describe common responses to exposure to violence at various stages of development (infants, toddlers, preschool, school age and adolescent children);
• Discuss physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions first responders might encounter in victims or witnesses on scene;
• Acknowledge the importance of using professional authority in a non-threatening, positive way to establish psychological, as well as physical, safety and order;
• Describe how even a brief intervention can be critical in decreasing the traumatic nature of children’s exposure to violence as well as in aiding children’s longer-term recovery;
• Describe different types of new and existing partners that can help you do your job better;
• Identify principles for working together effectively with local partners to address children exposed to violence.

Contact

Gabriela Staley MEd, 704-512-6523

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