RI Child Trauma Model Featured at National Conference
Monday, February 27, 2012
The “Rhode Island Model” for infusing a trauma-focused approach to child safety was showcased this weekend at a national conference sponsored by the Child Welfare League of America.
“I consider Family Service of RI, the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, and the Providence Police to be leaders when it comes to infusing the trauma-informed approach into the work of child welfare,” said Julie Collins of the Child Welfare League of America. “They have been doing this much longer than most agencies and we are excited they agreed to share their wisdom and experience.”
Family Service's Susan Erstling
“When a child and family enter into a state’s child welfare system it is usually the result of abuse, neglect, crime, violence or something related,” said Susan Erstling, Ph.D., head of Family Service of Rhode Island’s trauma and loss center and one of the presenters at the conference, which took place just outside Washington, D.C. “The idea is to move quickly to respond to the stress to lessen potential lasting effects.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThose effects, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, of which Family Service of RI is a member, include problems at school, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors, relationship problems and more. “The after-effects can last years after the actual traumatic event,” Dr. Erstling said. “We’re working to prevent this from happening.”
The “Rhode Island Model” includes:
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A partnership involving Family Service of RI, the Providence Police and the state Department of Children, Youth and Families;
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24/7 response to children and families exposed to trauma;
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A focus on prevention and early intervention;
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A Family Service of RI worker riding along with the Providence Police on routine patrols as well as during narcotic raids;
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Increasing knowledge through cross-training on trauma-related subjects;
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Monthly case consultation meetings including other community partners;
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Family Service of RI being provided space at the Department of Children, Youth and Families for trauma consultations and referrals.
In addition to Dr. Erstling, Rhode Island presenters included Sarah Kelly-Palmer, Family Service of RI’s senior clinical administrator for trauma, intake, emergency services and foster care; Vincent McAteer, chief of child protective services for the Department of Children, Youth and Families; and Detective Sergeant Carl Weston, of the Providence Police Department’s youth services division.
The presentation was part of the “Advancing a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System” pre-conference institute held Sunday, February 26, which also included Commissioner Bryan Samuels of the federal Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
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