Presented by:

Joanne Osterland

The Family Place

Dallas, TX

October 29, 2012

The impact of exposure to domestic violence on infants and young children may show up as. . .Low birth weightExaggerated startle responseSleep disturbancesDifficulty attaching to caregiverSeparation anxietyEating disordersCrying, irritabilityHyper-vigilance; anxiety around food or possessionsSomatic complaints; may be ill or under-immunizedRegression in toileting or language; delays in motor or social development

School aged children may:explode, act up or act out and are unable to control their behavior. Internalize their feelings and hold them in or withdrawBe overly aware of parent responsibilities and problems

Adolescents may be more likely to:--use drugs or alcohol--be harmed when they intervene in an assault--display attitudes supporting the use of violence--use violence in their own intimate relationships.

Child Development Center (CDC)Licensed center for children ages 6 weeks-5 years; Experienced, knowledgeable, committed staffEach day provides a safe, comfortable, predictable routine to positively impact emotional distressDevelopmentally Appropriate Activities enhance cognitive development, teach appropriate social skills and provide for physical development of large and small motor skills.

After-School and Summer Day Camp Programs (for School-Age Children)Provide children with the emotional tools that are prerequisites for academic successTeach children organizational and study skills Tutor children and offer homework help.Enrichment activities

The Learning Center (on-site school)Multi-age class (grades K-2) to foster cooperative learning and build self-esteem.Individualized instruction based on assessment results.Center based activities allowing for learning through discovery and hands on activity.

SCOREkeeper programMale mentors present to provide positive male role models Focus is on helping the boys to develop appropriate social, emotional, and life skills. Real Men Curriculum for middle school and high school boys

CDC: 65% of children improved by 81% in age-appropriate developmental skills after 4 weeks

School-Age: 58% began using study planners, 67% improved at least 25% of study skills after 4 weeks

TLC: 87% of children improved in Reading; 75% in Math (pre to post of 6 months)

In their own words. . .

EnvironmentPoliciesPeopleResources

Create a safe, calm, comfortable environment. Add structure and clear expectations. Pay attention to children’s non verbal cues. Avoid struggles for power and control Model healthy and respectful relationships Give children choices. Help children learn what to do, rather than

what not to do. Teach children to put feelings into words. Validate children’s feelings about their parents. Create opportunities for children to be

successful Have fun together!

Senior Source

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)

Easter Seals

Rainbow Days

Captain Hope’s Kids

Prevent Blindness

Dimensions Educational Foundation/Nature Explore

Educational First Steps

Parkland Hospital

Dallas Public Library

Dallas After School Network

Region 10 ESC

Dallas ISD

The single most critical factor in how children weather exposure to domestic violence is the presence of at least ONE loving and supportive adult in their life.

That ONE adult may be

YOU!!

Hope & Healing: A Caregiver’s Guide to Helping Young Children Affected by Trauma, by Kathleen Fitzgerald Rice and Betsy McAlister Groves

Helping Traumatized Children Learn, Massachusetts Advocates for Children-download free at http://www.massadvocates.org/order-book.php

Understanding the Effects of Domestic Violence: A Trainer’s Manual for Early Childhood Educators, by Linda L. Baker, Peter G. Jaffe, and Kathy J. Moore-download free at http://www.lfcc.on.ca/understanding_ECE.html

Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: A Teacher’s Handbook to Increase Understanding and Improve Community Responses, Centre for Children & Families in the Justice System, http://www.lfcc.on.ca/teacher-us.PDF

Joanne Osterland, DirectorChildren’s Educational Services

The Family Place214-367-7736

  

www.familyplace.org24-hour hotline 214-941-1991