Warwick Family Services Sanctuary In Action Warwick Family Services

What is Sanctuary? Sanctuary is a treatment and organizational change model that integrates trauma theory with the creation of therapeutic communities which provide safety for both clients and the staff who work with them.

Warwick Family Based Program We have adopted this model because we recognize and understand the connection of trauma and it’s effects on behavior for both clinicians and families. Sanctuary has proven to reduce physical aggression and decrease hospitalizations as well as promote a safe, nonviolent atmosphere for everyone in the family.

Who is expected to follow this model? Parallel Process

The Seven Commitments Nonviolence- being safe outside (physically), inside (emotionally), with others (socially), and doing the right thing (morally). Emotional Intelligence- managing our feeling so that we don’t hurt ourselves or others. Social Learning- respecting and sharing the ideas with one another. Shared Governance- shared decision making. Open communication- saying what we mean without being mean when we say it. Social responsibility- together we accomplish more; everyone makes a contribution. Growth and change- creating hope for youth, families, and staff.

S= Safety is where we start and end. It is the foundation of healing S= Safety is where we start and end. It is the foundation of healing. E= Emotions identify what we are feeling and how to handle those feelings L= Loss to acknowledge and grieve painful things that have happened. F=Future to make positive choices to create a better future for yourselves and your family. Sanctuary Language

Step 1: Identify which emotions are most difficult to manage for you Step 1: Identify which emotions are most difficult to manage for you. (Remember that there are often other emotions underneath what looks like anger: sadness, shame, frustration, etc.) Step 2: Identify what types of situations are likely to trigger the emotions you identified in step one. (being ignored, being asked to do more than your share, etc.) Step 3: Identify the signs that you or those around you might notice when your emotions are becoming overwhelming. (crying, pacing, fidgeting, scribbling, etc.) Step 4: Identify five things that you can do to help keep yourself, and those around you physically, emotionally, socially, and morally safe. Some of them can/should involve other people or leaving the physical space you are in (get a hug, call a friend, make some tea or coffee, take a walk) and at least two should be things that you can do on your own and without leaving the physical space you are in (deep breathing, squeezing your hands, counting tiles on the floor, etc.). Transfer these five things to your safety plan card, which you will use as a physical reminder of coping skills that work for you in challenging times Safety Plans Safety plans are small cards used by families and staff that list suggestions for ways to keep us safe by managing our emotions. We wear safety plans so that they are available for use whenever we may be feeling overwhelmed.

How are your feeling today? What are your goals for today? Community Check-In How are your feeling today? What are your goals for today? Who is going to help you with those goals? Thought for the day