Level(s) of Social Ecological Model:
The first level I will address from the Social Ecological Model will be the individual, or intrapersonal, level. In this level the individual is focused on in terms of past history in which could have influenced the way in which this individual was placed in a particular traumatic situation. This could include personal details such as age, beliefs, societal status, family history of abuse such as physical, mental, alcohol, drugs, etc. (CDC 2019). My project will address this area as it is crucial to understanding why the children are susceptible to their declining mental health. While the Animal-Assisted activities, Animal-assisted therapies, and Animal-assisted education will help to improve the child’s health status, the individual will need therapies such as “life skills training” (CDC 2019) in order to learn how to cope fully with their emotions, therefor improving physical health as well. The second level I would like to focus on includes the relationship aspect of the Social Ecological Model. While my program will assist in provided animals in order to aid the child, providing them with a companion, it is important that this child is able to carry out the skills and concepts learned through bonding with this animal and caring for this animal into other relationships. The child’s closest peers, such as family and friends, are important in the development of this individuals health. As stated on the CDC organizations website, our main goal as an organization is to “promote health relationships” with in the child’s life. First, by providing an animal to learn the concepts and skills required in making positive steps forwards, and then by carrying and applying these skills to everyday interactions and relationships.
Trauma-Informed Principles Your Intervention Will Utilize:
The most important concept when applying trauma-informed principles into our program is first to build an honest, trusting, and open communication with the grantees of our program (SAMSHA 2014). By building this relationship, both the granters and the funders will be able to effectively communicate ideas and ensure that the victim is receiving quality care that will progressively strengthen the outcome of the individual. In regards to the safety aspect of the trauma-informed principles, both the funders and the granters will be responsible in creating and implementing a safe course plan in regards to our programs activities (SAMSHA 2014). To further explain, when introducing the animal to the children which is receiving the animal, my organization and I will take full precautions in ensuring the child is safe and the exposure to the animal is without harm. Further more, my group and I will be responsible for carrying out the activities that both the child and the animal are expected to accomplish for a set amount of time, specialized to each individual. By seeing over the child and the animal initially, we as an organization can ensure that the child and animal are utilized in an effective manner. Another area my organization plans to build with in our organization is the peer-support and mutual self-help aspect (SAMSHA 2014). As the granter, my organization will encourage these individuals to seek out “success” stories. To explain, it will be the responsibility of the granter, with the assistance of the funder, to find individuals who are willing to share their story in order to encourage other individuals who may be hesitant to utilize the assistance that is readily available to them as victims.
Public Health Framework:
My organization will utilize a public health framework known as the “Continuum of Change” (Edwards, O’Connor, & O’Brien, n.d.). This framework consist of four stages. The funders and granters must work together in order to move through each level of the “Continuum of Change.” The first stage is the Trauma-Aware stage, according to the “Trauma-Informed Philanthropy” pamphlet, this stage can be defined as organizations becoming aware of the prevalence of trauma (Edwards et all., n.d.). This stage can include ensuring that the team members of our organization understand the aspect of trauma and are knowledgeable and informed on all aspects concerning trauma. This level also ensures that both physical and mental health is considered, as stated in previously, our organization covers both the physical and mental well-being of our patients. The second level is the Trauma-Sensitive stage in which organizations explore, consider, and adopt trauma-informed principles (Edwards et all., n.d.). This includes ensuring our staff is trauma trained, supported in the workplace, etc. The third stage is known as the “Trauma-Responsive” stage (Edwards et all., n.d.). In this stage, as stated by “Trauma-Informed Philanthropy”, organizations have highlighted their focus on the trauma their patients have experienced and the resilience these individuals possess (Edwards et all., n.d.). Members of the organization consider the structure and routine of the organization. Questions to be considered include, “Does staff apply knowledge of trauma and resilience to specific work? Do policies support addressing vicarious trauma among staff? Are trauma-specific assessments and treatment models available for those who need them?” The final step includes becoming Trauma-Informed (Edwards et all., n.d.). In this step the organization has taken all measures, precautions, and steps in order to be informed on trauma and resilience. In this step, the organization continues to make efforts in order to improve their organization and ensure that the program maintains this level. Our organization focuses on the secondary level of the public health prevention levels. We aim to minimize the long-term effects that children who have extended hospital visits experience through providing Animal-Assisted activities, Animal-assisted therapies, and Animal-assisted education. Since the children our organization focus on has already experienced stress at a high level, that potentially has affected their physical and mental health, our organization is working to diminish these affects.
References:
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as innovative tools for mental health. Ann Ist Super Sanita, Volume(47), 341-348
Edwards, A., O’Brien, C., and O’connor, S. (n.d.). Trauma Informed Philanthropy [Brochure]
Guiding Principles of Trauma-Informed Care. SAMHSA. (2014). Volume 22(2).
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