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Early Trauma Support for Children & Adolescents: Child & Family Traumatic Stress Intervention

  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

As we move into spring, I’m starting to see the first signs of rebirth- bright green chives popping through mud, small yellow and white flowers emerging from the woods. When I see these new buds of spring that will soon turn into flourishing gardens and forests, I’m reminded of the cycles of life. That unfortunately there is inevitable pain that requires our collective attention and care, as well as constant change. Like the delicate first blooms of spring, children and adolescents need immediate support when they have experienced or shared about a scary or stressful event to build their resilience.


We know that winters happen in our lives and that trauma can happen to any of us including children and adolescents. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA) by age 16 at least two thirds of children will report at least one traumatic event. Childhood traumatic events might include an unexpected accident or medical procedure, physical or sexual abuse, the death of loved or extended separation from a caregiver, or other things that feel overwhelming. Just like providing nutrients to a plant or tree, when caregivers can better understand their child’s trauma reactions and work together as a family to identify what helps, growth and healing can occur. 


The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) is a mental health treatment provided during the first 30-45 days after a child has experienced a traumatic event or has shared about a past trauma. This form of treatment typically takes five to eight therapy sessions for children ages 7 to 18 years old and has been proven to reduce trauma reactions in children, in addition to reducing or interrupting the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. 


CFTSI focuses on increasing family communication and support to reduce trauma responses through identification of trauma symptoms and reminders, as well as developing needed coping skills. In one-on-one sessions, caregivers can reflect on their own trauma reactions and explore resource needs for their family during a time of intense stress. CFTSI also serves as a form of extended assessment, so that the provider can collaborate with the family on what type of follow-up services are needed after completion of the model. Since this form of therapy is brief- more children can receive evidenced based trauma treatment, families can be seen quickly reducing waitlist times, and for some families CFTSI may even reduce their need for any long-term services.  


There is hope that things can get better after trauma, particularly when a child is surrounded by supportive relationships and community in a safe environment. Research has shown that positive childhood experiences can serve as a protective factor to increase wellbeing into adulthood. Positive childhood experiences can be things like bonding with safe adults, gaining a sense of belonging through activities like volunteering or mentoring, having equitable access to resources like quality food, education, and housing as well as free play.


CFTSI is now available in Southeast Ohio through the Athens Child Advocacy Center and the Garden Family Advocacy Center in Ross County. Child Advocacy Centers are local experts in child/family trauma and serve surrounding counties at little to no cost- offering therapy, education, and advocacy.

 

If you are interested in connecting with the Athens Child Advocacy Center for CFTSI, please email them at heather@saopseoh.org or call their provider Heather Mitchell at 740-591-2701

 

If you are interest in connecting with the Garden Family Advocacy Center for CFTSI, please e-mail them at gardenfamilyadvocacy@outlook.com or call their main phone line at 740-779-7431

 

Reference List


Author: Ashley Karimi MSW, LISW-S Child and Family Trauma Stress Intervention Lead and Southeast Ohio Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Coordinator, Nationwide Children’s Hospital The Center For Family Safety and Healing

 

 
 
 
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