Citation

Kagan R, Douglas AN, Hornik J, Kratz SL. J. Child Adolesc. Trauma 2008; 1(1): 5.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1080/19361520801929845

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Real Life Heroes was developed for use in child and family agencies with children with traumatic stress who may lack a safe home and a caring, non-offending parent/guardian. An activity-based workbook and manual assists practitioners to promote safety, understanding of the impact of traumas, attachments, affect modulation, coping skills, and trauma processing. This pilot study included 41 children, caregivers, and clinicians. Results from data collected after a four month interval indicated significant reduction in child self-reports of trauma symptoms and reduced problem behaviors on caregiver checklists. Results from data collected after a 12 month interval included a reduction in parent reports of trauma symptoms for children who received more of the intervention and increased security/attachment to caregivers over time.

Keywords: traumatic stress; neglect; abuse; attachment; homebased family counseling; foster family care; residential treatment; post traumatic treatment disorder