Traumatic Stress and Body Awareness: Helping Children Heal

Kristina Konnath, LICSWKathleen Guarino, LMHC

NAEHCY Conference:

Building Futures Through Education

November 11 – 14, 2006

National Picture: Homeless Families

40% of homeless population (1)

1.35 million children a year (2)

Histories of extreme violence

Sources: 1- US Conference of Mayors. (2004). Hunger and Homelessness Survey 2004. 2 - Burt, M. & Aron, L.

America’s Homeless II: Populations and Services (Washington, DC: The Urban Institute, 2000).

Families who are Homeless…

84% are female-headed.

The average family is a mother with 2 young children.

Racial/ethnic minorities are over-represented.

92% of mothers who are homeless experienced severe physical and/or sexual assault at some point in their lives.

Stern, L.N. & Nunez, R. (1998). Ten Cities: A Snapshot of Family Homelessness Across America. New York: Homes for the Homeless & The Institute for Children and Poverty

Bassuk, Weinreb, Buckner , et al., “The characteristics and needs of sheltered homeless and low-income housed mothers” Journal of the American Medical Association (1996: vol. 276, no. 8)

Children who are Homeless…

1.35 million children in a year

Over 40% are under the age of 5

Within a single year: 97% move, 22% are separated from their families, 25% witness violence

Burt, Aron, Douglas, et al. Homelessness: Programs and the People they Serve: Summary Report Findings of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (Washington, DC: The Urban Institute, 1999).

Mental Health Needs of Children who are Homeless

These children have more mental health needs than other children.

20% of preschoolers have emotional problems that require professional care.

47% of school-age children have problems with anxiety, depression, or withdrawal.

The National Center on Family Homelessness, Homeless Children: America’s New Outcasts (Newton, MA: 1999)

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Photo courtesy of www.flickr.com, 10/31/05

An estimated one million Americans lost their homes

Thousands of evacuees in multiple states throughout the country

Poems, Pictures, and Other Great Stuff. (1996). Salem-Keizer Public Schools. Salem, Oregon.

What is Traumatic Stress?

Overwhelming experience

Involves a threat

Results in vulnerability and loss of control

Leaves people feeling helpless and fearful

Interferes with relationships and beliefs

Source: Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery. Basic Books. 1992.

Traumatic Events

Loss of a loved one Accident School Violence Community Violence Domestic Violence Neglect Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Man-Made or Natural

Disaster Terrorism

Responding to Traumatic Events

The body's alarm system

signals danger

Responding to Traumatic Events

Fight Flight Freeze

Responding to Traumatic Events

Triggers: Reminders of past traumatic events

Effects of Trauma

Physical

Emotional

Academic

Relational

Now What?

Safetyand

Stabilization

Creating a Safe Environment

Routines and Rituals

Know your client -

assessment

Self-care for providers

Consumer Skill-Building

Emotional regulation Identifying feelings Modulating feelings Expressing feelings

Problem-Solving

Self-Esteem

Long-Term Strategies

Training

Community Building

Collaboration with outside agencies

The PEACH Initiative

The PEACH Initiative

Physical and EmotionalAwareness forChildren who are Homeless

Meet the OrganWise Guys®!

The Curriculum

Books Games Songs Activities

The PEACH Pilot

3 shelters, 3 times 30 different children

Result: An easy-to-use, highly engaging curriculum specially adapted for children living in shelters.

Emotional Health

Healthy Fitness Break

We love who we live in,

so please take care of us!

REFRAIN:

1,2,3,4. Come on, get up off the floor.

5,6,7,8. Move around and you’ll feel great.

VERSES:

1. March in place and count to eight. Get your heart to a faster rate. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.

2. Give eight friends a big high-five. Gosh, it’s great to be alive! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.

3. Take a deep breath and count to eight – something your lungs will appreciate! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.

PEACH Helps Kids

Safety and Stability Fun Health

PEACH Helps Parents

Rare break Positive, fun way to help their child Emotional and physical health

PEACH Helps Organizations!

Structured program Easy to implement Free materials

For More Information:

Katie VolkKatie VolkNational Center on Family HomelessnessNational Center on Family Homelessness

617-964-3834 x20 617-964-3834 x20 katie.volk@familyhomelessness.orgkatie.volk@familyhomelessness.org