Supporting the NC Child
Treatment Program
A Presentation to the Intentional Death Committee of the NC Child Fatality Task
Force
November 22, 2010
Building Brain Architecture
The early years of life matter because early experiences affect the architecture of the maturing brain. As it emerges, the quality of that architecture establishes either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for all of the development and behavior that follows.
© FrameWorks Institute 2009
Toxic Stress
When interpersonal experiences are disruptive, neglectful, abusive, unstable, or otherwise stressful, children experience toxic stress.
Toxic stress releases chemicals in the body which impede brain development, making it difficult for the neurons to form healthy connections.
Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse
Domestic Violence
Chronic Poverty
Neglect
Consequences of Child Maltreatment
Healthy Brain
Traumatized Brain
Importance of Trauma Treatment
• TF-CBT scientifically proven effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder including depression and anxiety
• As stress diminishes, children are able to rebuild healthy circuitry in brain, poising them for success in school and employment
• Provides children with tools needed to redirect energy toward executive thinking activities
• Involves caregivers and positively impacts their depression and anxiety symptoms as well.
• TF-CBT is 20-25 week treatment, $1800/child
Infrastructure CRITICAL For Effective
Service Delivery• TF-CBT has been proven effective, BUT “spray and
pray” of TF-CBT won’t produce good outcomes• Infrastructure critical in producing mental health
benefit for traumatized children and cost benefit for state▫ Quality, skills-based training and ongoing clinical
consultation for fidelity▫ Rostered clinicians▫ Linking of children, DSS, mental health clinicians▫ Quality improvement through tracking clinical
outcomes