Traumatic Stress and Body Awareness: Helping Children Heal Kristina Konnath, LICSW Kathleen Guarino, LMHC NAEHCY Conference: Building Futures Through Education November 11 – 14, 2006

National Picture: Homeless Families 40% of homeless population (1) 1.35 million children a year (2) Histories of extreme violence Sources: 1- US Conference of Mayors. (2004). Hunger and Homelessness Survey Burt, M. & Aron, L. America’s Homeless II: Populations and Services (Washington, DC: The Urban Institute, 2000).

Families who are Homeless… 84% are female-headed. The average family is a mother with 2 young children. Racial/ethnic minorities are over-represented. 92% of mothers who are homeless experienced severe physical and/or sexual assault at some point in their lives. Stern, L.N. & Nunez, R. (1998). Ten Cities: A Snapshot of Family Homelessness Across America. New York: Homes for the Homeless & The Institute for Children and Poverty Bassuk, Weinreb, Buckner, et al., “The characteristics and needs of sheltered homeless and low-income housed mothers” Journal of the American Medical Association (1996: vol. 276, no. 8)

Children who are Homeless… 1.35 million children in a year Over 40% are under the age of 5 Within a single year: 97% move, 22% are separated from their families, 25% witness violence Burt, Aron, Douglas, et al. Homelessness: Programs and the People they Serve: Summary Report Findings of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (Washington, DC: The Urban Institute, 1999).

Mental Health Needs of Children who are Homeless These children have more mental health needs than other children. 20% of preschoolers have emotional problems that require professional care. 47% of school-age children have problems with anxiety, depression, or withdrawal. The National Center on Family Homelessness, Homeless Children: America’s New Outcasts (Newton, MA: 1999)

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Photo courtesy of 10/31/05www.flickr.com  An estimated one million Americans lost their homes  Thousands of evacuees in multiple states throughout the country

Poems, Pictures, and Other Great Stuff. (1996). Salem-Keizer Public Schools. Salem, Oregon.

What is Traumatic Stress? Overwhelming experience Involves a threat Results in vulnerability and loss of control Leaves people feeling helpless and fearful Interferes with relationships and beliefs Source: Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery. Basic Books

Traumatic Events Loss of a loved one Accident School Violence Community Violence Domestic Violence Neglect Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Man-Made or Natural Disaster Terrorism

Responding to Traumatic Events The body's alarm system signals danger

Responding to Traumatic Events Fight Flight Freeze

Responding to Traumatic Events Triggers: Reminders of past traumatic events

Effects of Trauma Physical Emotional Academic Relational

Now What? Safety and Stabilization

Creating a Safe Environment Routines and Rituals Know your client - assessment Self-care for providers

Consumer Skill-Building Emotional regulation Identifying feelings Modulating feelings Expressing feelings Problem-Solving Self-Esteem

Long-Term Strategies Training Community Building Collaboration with outside agencies

The PEACH Initiative

Physical and Emotional Awareness for Children who are Homeless

Meet the OrganWise Guys ® !

The Curriculum Books Games Songs Activities

The PEACH Pilot 3 shelters, 3 times 30 different children Result: An easy-to-use, highly engaging curriculum specially adapted for children living in shelters.

Emotional Health

Healthy Fitness Break We love who we live in, so please take care of us! REFRAIN: 1,2,3,4. Come on, get up off the floor. 5,6,7,8. Move around and you’ll feel great. VERSES: 1. March in place and count to eight. Get your heart to a faster rate. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. 2. Give eight friends a big high-five. Gosh, it’s great to be alive! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. 3. Take a deep breath and count to eight – something your lungs will appreciate! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.

PEACH Helps Kids Safety and Stability Fun Health

PEACH Helps Parents Rare break Positive, fun way to help their child Emotional and physical health

PEACH Helps Organizations! Structured program Easy to implement Free materials

For More Information: Katie Volk National Center on Family Homelessness x20