ISPCAN Mental Health Curriculum and Learning Collaborative (LC) Mental Health Intervention for Children and Families

Affected by Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Lucy Berliner, LCSW March 2010 CAN often causes emotional and behavioral problems for children. These problems generally take the form of internalizing effects (posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression) or behavior problems. Effective treatments for these problems exist. The effective treatments generally include standard components that address managing negative emotional states, correcting inaccurate or unhelpful cognitions, and teaching basic skills as well as helping children process their CAN experience and put them into perspective. In most cases it is important for parents or caregivers to actively participate in the treatments. A components based approach to mental heath services for children affected by CAN is versatile and feasible. Selection of components known to be effective and structured systematic delivery of the components is consistent with the emerging scientific literature. This type of approach can be tailored to the individually assessed problems and needs of children and families. Learning Collaborative Model for Developing a Mental Health Response 1. Community Engagement a. One of more NGOs and the key systems (medical child abuse, child protection) meet to make decisions about the development/enhancement of mental health services 2. Organizational readiness consultation a. Leaders meet with consultants to identify the needed structures, procedures and capacities to train providers, implement services, and maintain quality 3. Basic training a. 2-3 day practical training in assessment and delivery of the treatment components. 4. Case consultation a. 6 months+ case specific consultation in applying the components 5. Advanced/booster training a. 1-2 day follow-up training for providers who have been using the model Requirements for Participation 1. NGO and others in a community willing to commit to the LC 2. Community and/or NGO leadership participation in meetings re. implementation 3. Supervisors and providers who will actually be delivering the treatment participate in the basic training 4. Supervisors and providers who attend the training commit to participating in case consultation For more information: Please contact Lucy Berliner - lucyb@u.washington.edu
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