How Can We Help?
People who have been exposed to violence and trauma need help to move away from the thoughts, feelings, and actions that make them less safe and less confident in themselves and towards the actions that help them recover and grow stronger. How do you find the right type of help for yourself or someone else? There are so many treatment providers and treatment services out there claiming they help people; yet, they may not have any valid proof that they do help. The National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence recommends that people follow two basic guidelines in seeking help. The first, is that the provider is offering services that have concrete evidence that support their effectiveness and/or are based on the best available evidence that they should help. The treatments should reduce the critical risk factors for violence and/or enhance the critical protective factors that promote resilience. The second, is that the provider is using trauma-informed practices. This refers to the helper having a background in how to recognize the warning signs of violence and trauma and how to provide services that are unlikely to trigger further trauma.
There are many evidence-informed treatment services available. The following ones are provided as examples and should not be considered in any way part of an exhaustive list.
WHAT TREATMENTS WORK BY HELPING PARENTS DURING INFANCY?
Taking care of very young children can be hard and exhausting; particularly if you have not had many experiences that helped you understand what babies and toddlers do that can be hard to handle. With infants, parents are dealing with a lack of sleep, a severely disrupted schedule, new financial strains, and often great uncertainty about what the best parenting techniques may be. Everyone needs help from caring for others during this time but some do not get enough of it and face overwhelming stress and strained resources which can lead to unintentionally or intentionally doing something that harms the infant. Toddlers are learning just how much they can do and don’t understand that adults need to be in charge of their world. While they can irritate us with their constant use of the word no or attempts to ignore us, their challenging behavior is actually what helps their brains develop. Thus, we need to both encourage them yet teach them to listen to us at the same time; it is not an easy task for anyone.
Luckily, new parents do not need to navigate this time alone. There are many resources available that research has shown are effective in helping new parents manage their own well-being, and learn to provide their infant with the best care they can.
Here are a few Examples of Treatments that Work
The Nurse-Family Partnership is an organization dedicated to keeping children healthy and safe and improving the lives of moms and babies. The program works by having trained nurses regularly visit first-time moms-to-be, starting early in the pregnancy and continuing until the child is 2 years old. By getting the care and support they need, these new mothers can be confident they are providing their babies a healthy and safe start to life. To learn more, or to find an NFP program near you, click here: Nurse Family Partnership.
Early Intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. It can be very upsetting to notice that your child is falling behind. This program focuses on helping babies and toddlers learn the skills that typically develop during the first three years of life, such as walking, talking, learning, and forming relationships. Also, in Pennsylvania, Early Intervention services are free to eligible families. Learn more about this service by clicking here: Early Intervention
If you have questions about your child's development, call the CONNECT Helpline: 1-800-692-7288 or email help@connectpa.net, to speak with someone who can provide helpful information about available services.
Triple P-Positive Parenting Program consists of simple, practical strategies to help parents raise happy and confident children. This program helps parents set and maintain rules and routines to give structure to a family. New parents can gain skills to support their baby’s learning and social-emotional development. This program is available online for convenient access. Learn more and get started here: Triple P.
Maternal Addiction Treatment is a life-saving intervention for pregnant women who struggle with a drug addiction. Substance use in pregnancy can be very dangerous for both the unborn child and mother. Thankfully, there are services available that will help soon-to-be-mothers get healthy enough to take care of themselves and their child. Programs like these celebrate the courage of women who come into treatment and make the daily commitment to create better lives for themselves their families. Click the following links to learn more about some of the treatments available in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh: The Sojourner House is a drug and alcohol treatment center in Pittsburgh that provides in-patient residential treatment to addicted mothers and their children.
Philadelphia: Thomas Jefferson University has “one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) programs for pregnant and parenting women in the country,” the Maternal Addiction Treatment, Education and Research (MATER).
Harrisburg: High quality, effective drug use disorder treatment is available at UPMC Addiction Medicine Services
Helpers wanting to learn more about the best practice for treating mothers with Opioid addictions can click this link: Clinical Guidance
Scared an infant is in danger- call:
ChildLine (State Child Abuse Registry) 1-800-932-0313
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD)
Call 911 in case of emergency or risk of immediate harm
What Treatments Work by Helping Young Children?
Early childhood can be a wonderful time of learning and growth, but it can also come with intense stress and frustration for parents as children go from copying everything their parents do to pushing back against family rules and listening to parents; they want to see if they can make their own rules rather than follow the rules of others. They may do things such as refuse to put their clothes away, have a temper tantrum when not given the cookie they asked for, and refuse to share their crayons with another child. While this provides a challenge to parents, this behavior is part of children learning who they are as individuals and what they are capable of doing. There are many evidence-based programs that exist to help parents navigate this exciting and challenging time, and help young children develop essential skills that will set them on a path for success.
Here are a few Examples of Treatments that Work
Head Start is a government funded preschool program targeted at families facing difficult life circumstances. This means it is completely free to the families who qualify. In addition to language, literacy and math skills, children attending Head Start learn how to socialize with other kids, follow the rules of a classroom, as well as lessons about living a healthy lifestyle. They also provide home visits to families to ensure health and safety in all of a child’s environments. To learn more about the benefits Head Start programs can provide, click here.
To find a Head Start center near you, click here: Pennsylvania Head Start
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is a form of family therapy that works through real-time coaching to help parents manage their child’s behavior. A therapist guides parents moment-to-moment interactions with their child . If you have felt at a loss for how to deal with your child’s behavior, or are feeling overwhelmed, PCIT may be a good fit for you. Learn more about the program here.
To find a provider near you, click here: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Second Step is a social emotional learning program that can be integrated into the preschool curriculum. It helps students learn to listen, pay attention, get along with others, and follow directions. Skills and concepts are taught through short, daily activities that take 5–7 minutes each, with little or no preparation time needed. Learn more about this effective learning tool, and find teaching materials here: Second Step (Early Learning).
Triple P-Positive Parenting Program consists of simple, practical strategies to help parents raise happy and confident children. This program helps parents set and maintain rules and routines to give structure to a family. This program has specific material for all ages of children. Parents can gain skills to support their toddler’s learning and social-emotional development. This program is available online for convenient access. Learn more and get started here: Triple P.
Scared a preschool child is in danger call:
ChildLine (State Child Abuse Registry) 1-800-932-0313
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD)
Call 911 in case of emergency or risk of immediate harm
What Treatments work by Helping School-Aged Children
School can be a challenging environment for children who cannot always blend in or are targeted for teasing or bullying by other students or by adults in the school. While school has the potential to let children learn so many skills that prepare them to be self-confident and skilled adults, school also provides an environment out of a parent’s control; bullying can make a school environment emotionally, physically, and sexually unsafe. Bullying can target any potential difference between the bully and the victim whether it is abilities, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, size, race, religion and so forth. Children who struggle at home or school are also at risk for becoming bullies themselves. Thankfully, programs exist that can help guide children toward success in this setting, and teach them skills that will help them form healthy relationships with other students. Here are a few examples of programs that can help your children.
Here are a few Examples of Treatments that Work
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: Olweus has a bullying prevention program designed to reduce and prevent school bullying in elementary, middle, and high schools. It works through teaching the teachers, children, and parents about behaviors that harm others. It helps adults develop clear rules against bullying and provides support and protection to keep children from being harmed by words and actions that keep them from learning fully in school and developing positive relationships with other children. There have been studies around the world that demonstrate this comprehensive programming works in the short and long run. Does your child’s school implement this program or another one that has similar evidence that it works? If not, use the following links to gain more information and encourage your local school district to utilize this resource: Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. This source is very comprehensive and useful for school superintendents and principals.
If your school is looking for someone who could help guide them in using this program, here is a list of Pennsylvania contacts
Training Active Bystanders helps train school-aged children to know how to help reduce conflict by stepping up rather than being passive when they witness a conflict brewing. At some point in their lives, most people will witness an act of violence or aggression, and most of us will automatically be passive in the face of it because we literally don’t know what to do. The active bystander program helps children learn how to intervene in situations to prevent conflicts from escalating. By using creative problem solving and learning how to form specific action plans when faced with harmful situations, this training program can help children learn how to feel confident they have skills they can use when faced with conflict.
To get in contact and bring this program to your area, click here.
Learn more by clicking here: Training Active Bystanders
Second Step is a comprehensive set of social emotional learning program that can be integrated into regular school curricula. There are programs available depending on the age of the children being targeted, programs designed to support the effectiveness of the teachers, as well as programs designed to help parents. All of the programs are centered around effective social and emotional learning. A variety of skill building is provided. For example, students will learn to recognize and stand up safely to bullying, achieve goals, learn from challenges, recognize their personal strengths, and much more. Each teacher-led unit has interactive, 25-minute lessons and discussion-based activities that are easy to use. Learn more and access these resources here: Second Step (Middle School).
PATHS is a program designed to prevent the development of conduct problems (aggressive or disruptive behaviors) in elementary school aged children. By improving their social and academic skills and intervening in their family environment, this program ensures that your child will be on the path for a happy, successful life. Learn more about this program here: PATHS Program.
Scared a school-age child is in danger call:
If you have concerns about risks in schools, get in touch with your local school district
Contact Harrisburg School District
Superintendent: Dr. Eric Turman
Contact Pittsburgh School District
Superintendent: Dr. Anthony Hamlet
Contact Philadelphia School District
Superintendent: Dr. William R. Hite, Jr.
If this doesn’t work, contact: the State of PA Department of Education Call 911 in case of emergency or risk of immediate harm
What Types of Treatment are Effective with Teens?
Teens can look like adults, but their brains are still developing and while in academic subjects and familiar territory they may act adult-like, in areas that are new- such as understanding their sexuality- they are still likely to react in the moment rather than plan for the longer term. Changing bodies, fluctuating hormones, and the stress that comes with being given heavier responsibilities and held to higher standards can increase conflicts between parents and their teens. Emotions can run high as teens strive to deepen their relationships, figure out the differences between friendships, crushes, long-standing romantic commitments, and their own identity. Luckily, there are a wide range of programs, backed by research, that can educate teenagers on how to build strong relationships, and to respect themselves and others.
Here are a few Examples of Treatments that Work
Coaching Boys into Men is a violence prevention program that trains and motivates high school coaches to teach their young athletes healthy relationship skills and that violence never equals strength. Coaches are in an ideal position to be a powerful and positive influence in a young boy or man’s life. Studies have shown that those who participate in the program are more likely than their peers to intervene when they witness abusive or disrespectful behaviors, and less likely to perpetrate abusive behaviors themselves. To learn more about the effectiveness of the program, click here: CBIM Effectiveness. To become a CBIM Coach, click here: Coaching Boys into Men.
Dating Matters is a program designed to teach teens smart relationship skills and prevent relationship violence. This program was designed so that it could be used in many different settings with young teens. Individuals in the program learn effective communication skills, how to build healthy relationships, as well as ways to support their friends who may be struggling with unhealthy relationships. To learn how you can get involved and help end teen dating violence, click here: Dating Matters. To further explore the different components of the program click here Dating Matters Toolkit
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a positive sexual education programs designed at different developmental levels across the lifespan. It covers topics and skills that children, teens, and adults need to know but often do not get help mastering. Our Whole Lives recognizes and respects the diversity of human experience with respect to biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability status in addition to cultural and racial background. This program was developed by two religious organizations however, it contains no religious references or doctrine. The program offers accurate information presented in developmentally appropriate ways. Activities are provided that help people clarify their values and improve their decision-making skills, and much more. Learn more by clicking here: Our Whole Lives
Multi-Systemic Treatment (MST) is a comprehensive program designed to help struggling teens. It takes a family-centered approach. Typically, MST is used when a teen has become involved in drug use, violence, or severe criminal behavior. This treatment approach is designed to explore the teen’s home environment and family relationships to get at the root of the problem behaviors that the teen is showing. To see research on how effective this approach can be, and to learn more about MST, click here.
To learn how to access Multi-Systemic Treatment in Pennsylvania, follow these links:
Scared a teen is in danger call:
The Trevor Project - Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LBGTQ youth: 1-866-488-7386
Youth America Hotline - Counseling for Teens by Teens: 1-877-968-8454 (1-877-YOUTHLINE)
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
Call 911 in case of emergency or risk of immediate harm
What Types of Treatment have been found Effective in Adulthood?
Children dream about reaching what they imagine is the freedom of adulthood. Adults know that navigating the “grown-up” world is no easy task and may feel their freedom constricted by responsibilities. As adults get older, their world gets increasingly complicated. They have responsibilities including financially supporting themselves, paying bills and taxes, and maintaining the place where they live. Most are also responsible for supporting others, whether these dependent others be children, disabled individuals, or older adults in their lives. In addition, adults may have been exposed to violence and trauma in their childhood, adolescence or in their adult life; no age group is immune to traumatic experiences that can shake them off their prior track of healthy development. Without appropriate help, violent and/or traumatic experiences can stay with people throughout their lives, changing how they view themselves and the world. These damaging experiences can make adults feel very isolated and alone. Fortunately, there are many evidence-informed resources have been developed to help adults regain a positive trajectory through life.
Here are a few Examples of Treatments that Work
Relationships: People marry expecting their relationship to be happy and help them throughout life. When problems come up that they feel are unsolvable, they may decide to divorce. Ending a relationship that started with the belief it would be life-long is stressful for everyone involved, especially when there are children or other dependent people in the family. While a painful process, divorce doesn’t have to be an ugly or horrific experience. There are ways to make divorce a healthy process for all family members through cooperation, communication, and self-care.
Check out these tips from the American Psychological Association that are designed to help people who are divorcing: Healthy Divorce
For further help, you could find a psychologist near you who can help you through this process: Psychologist Locator
Domestic Violence: When someone you love is hurting you, it is time to get help. You deserve to be safe. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence can help get you connected to safe places to live, trustworthy people to talk to, as well as free and reliable legal information. You can learn more and get the help you need by clicking here.
Group Treatment for Survivors of Trauma can help individuals who have been abused and/or traumatized within intimate partner relationships. In these groups, people with common issues can get together to talk and are guided and supported by a professional. This has proven helpful for many different problems including trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Group therapy provides peer support for overcoming and gaining strength from working through the pain and suffering together. If you are interested in finding groups in the following three cities, click on the links below:
Exposure therapy for Veteran Survivors of Trauma has been found helpful for people who have gone through traumatic experiences before or during their active duty. It works by breaking up the traumatic experience into its small component parts, helping the individual face each part at a pace they can tolerate. Individuals progress through every aspect of the experience until it no longer controls them or their reactions to the world. Adults with symptoms of post-traumatic stress might find this website from the VA helpful: Prolonged Exposure
Treatment for Substance abuse
Drug addiction is a public health problem that often severely damages the lives of those involved. Many people think of addiction in overly simple terms because of past social strategies that emphasized “just saying no” to drugs. These overly simply explanations fail to help people understand how violence, trauma, and other forms of adversity can lead a person to use substances for respite from physical and emotional pain. Simple explanations also fail to help people understand how drug addiction involves creating new brain connections that creates strong cravings for the substances whenever any trigger for use occurs- such as seeing someone drinking at a party or seeing someone across the street that they know sells substances. Simple explanations also don’t address the social shame that can make an individual hide their problems rather than reaching out to caring others for help.
When someone is suffering from an addiction, their loved ones suffer as well. Addictions can break apart families, but there are ways to repair these bonds. One form of therapy found to be helpful for those struggling with addiction is Family Therapy. It works through a trained therapist working with all family members as a unit to support the addicted individual recover, heal, and move towards long-term sobriety; loved ones learn the complex factors that are supporting the addiction and learn to break family patterns that may unintentional support addiction. If you or a loved one are battling addiction, learn more about how family therapy could help by visiting this website: Family Therapy.
Help is available; find treatment options near you.
Scared an Adult is in danger call:
Domestic Abuse Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE)
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
Veteran's Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
Call 911 in case of emergency or risk of immediate harm
What Types of Treatment have been found Effective for Older Adults?
As we age, our bodies change. Simple tasks may become more difficult such as bending enough to easily tie shoes or being able to read the small type on a medicine bottle. This time might feel scary or upsetting, as if you are losing the freedom and ability to control your own life. For loved ones, it can be difficult to know when to step in and help. Thankfully, no one needs to figure these issues out in isolation. There are many services that can help provide care, reassurance, and support for those who need it. For example, are you looking for resources and live in Pennsylvania? Then, you can find more information on the PA government website.
Here are a few Examples of Treatments that Work
Transitioning to assisted living: Older adults who need more help with the tasks of daily living, could get help by moving to a assisted living community. Confusion, mobility concerns, or increased injuries all might be signs that an older adult needs long term support. Check out this website for more signs and suggestions for how to step in if you notice an older adult who might need help: When to Help
Transitioning a loved one into the proper care facility can be a stressful time. How can you know they will be receiving the best care? One way to be sure their needs are met is through a citizen advocacy group like the Ombudsman program. The name may be tricky to say, but the idea is simple. This program ensures that no one is alone in this process. Community volunteers dedicate their time and attention towards serving long term care communities and ensuring everyone has their needs met and is being listened to. They will also step in to resolve any issues or concerns that may arise.
To learn more about the program, watch this video: About Ombudsman
Find a program near you: Ombudsman Pennsylvania
Support for caregivers: Older adults or adults with disabilities can be at risk of being harmed or mistreated. Thankfully there are resources that can help. The National Caregiver support program connects communities with resources and educational services and provides assistance to caregivers to ensure they receive the support they need. Learn more here: Caregiver Support Program
Alzheimer’s versus Depression: In older adults, signs of depression are too often mistaken for early signs of brain problems like Alzheimer’s Disease. Unfortunately, this can lead to older adults not receiving the mental health treatment they need. How can you help? As a caregiver or family member, you do not have to make it your job to figure out what is wrong, but you can recommend that the individual arranges a meeting with their Primary Care Provider and make sure this professional knows import events, problems or illnesses that are going on in the person’s life that might make their current ability to care for themselves related to depression versus incipient brain problems.
If provider is new to the issues facing older adults, a valuable resource for them is this information freely available to download. It is called, “Key Issues pdf of EBP for depression in adults”
Substance Abuse in Older Adults: If you are a provider of mental health care for older adults, this Treatment Improvement Protocol provides guidance on how to better identify, manage, and prevent substance misuse in older adults. Learn about the unique ways in which the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD) manifest in older adults; drug and alcohol use disorder screening tools, assessments, and treatments specifically tailored for older clients' needs; the interaction between SUDs and cognitive impairment; and strategies to help providers improve their older clients' social functioning and overall wellness. To access this resource, click here.
Older Adult Maltreatment: Do you wonder if an older person you know might be suffering harm? As at all other ages, the perpetrator of abuse or neglect of older adults is most likely a family member. Intimate Partner Violence that began at an early age may be continuing. New partners gained in older adulthood might bring a new perpetrator into the older adult’s life. Brain injuries and other cognitive difficulties may lead violence to erupt suddenly. Children who were abused by a parent might engage in this same type of behavior towards their now older adult parent who needs help.
Common signs that might indicate abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of and older adult include:
Bruises or broken bones
Weight loss
Memory loss
Personality changes
Social isolation
Changes in banking habits
Giving away assets such as money, property, etc.
However, these behaviors could be a result of other factors such as health or emotional issues. The National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence recommends that it is better to ensure the safety of a person, and possibly make an error, than leave someone in harm’s way.
Worried an Older Adult or a Dependent Adult is not safe:
PA Older Adult Protective State Hotline: 1- 800-490-8505
Older Adult Protective Services by County:
Call 911 in case of emergency or risk of immediate harm
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY VIOLENCE OCCURS click here
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO PREVENT VIOLENCE click here
TO REVIEW ALL THE RESOURCES DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT click here
This is funded with PA Tax dollars. The opinions, findings and conclusions expressed within this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of PCCD.