Have you ever needed a boost? Perhaps it was just a little help to make you taller or did you need a few encouraging words that could help redirect your path? The staff at Cleveland County DSS were showing signs that they needed a boost up after implementing the Partnering For Excellent (PFE) initiative in Cleveland County, NC almost four years ago. With changes in leadership, staff and organizational structure, including the welcome of a new director, along with general fatigue and burnout, our Cleveland Partners needed a PFE Booster! PFE, Partnering For Excellence, is a project of Benchmarks that aims to improve well-being of children and families involved in the child welfare system. The program was designed to increase knowledge and improve skills as it related to the trauma informed practices within the agency and throughout the community.
Our time together began by hearing from youth whom had been impacted by this work. First was a wonderful sixteen-year-old who was very articulate as she described the difference it made for her to receive appropriate trauma informed treatment. After trying traditional outpatient therapy for years, it was not until she met her therapist that she began to understand that her trauma did not determine who she was nor where she was going in the future. She explained that when she first heard about PTSD, she recognized she had symptoms and wanted to learn how to move forward. Social workers expressed that hearing her heartfelt words inspired them to continue the important trauma informed work they do daily.
Next, a child permanency social worker read a letter from a 10-year-old boy, who entered the PFE pathway when placed in foster care with the agency. After receiving a trauma informed comprehensive clinical assessment (TiCCA), he was identified as good candidate for TF-CBT. His social worker, Trista Riddle, and his supportive foster family described remarkable improvements in his behaviors and attitude. His words express it best when he wrote “This has helped me tell the way I feel.” Prior to trauma focused therapy, he was constantly angry and could not express his emotions. In response to a question about what he would tell another child considering therapy he stated, “Be sure to tell your therapist things about your life. She is there to help you.” Another amazing part of this young man’s story is that his foster parents are very supportive of his therapy. Although they cannot attend his weekly sessions due to the scheduling difficulties that so many working parents and caregivers experience, they were committed to work with his therapist to arrange monthly evening appointments so that they can be sure to support him in his path to resiliency.
After the encouraging boost from two inspiring children, the staff received a refresher on the components of the PFE Pathway, protocols and information delivery processes. This time provided the opportunity for Benchmarks’ staff , supervisors and managers to clarify any concerns. The all-encompassing booster finished with a little friendly competition in a trivia game about PFE where staff received prizes. The afternoon closed with inspiring words given by Katie Swanson, Cleveland County DSS Director. The message was very clear! This work is very important and Cleveland County DSS is committed to be a trauma informed agency. The presentations and training were a boost not only in knowledge but also morale for everyone that attended!
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