Trauma and Loss

The Trauma and Loss Intervention Program is a short-term program of 8 sessions funded by a grant from the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.  It is designed to help children work through trauma situations.

1.  know they are not alone with their terror and grief

2.   hear stories and see relations of peers also traumatized by violence or non-violent incidents

3.   express their terror, fear, sadness, and even yearning to have things the way they were

4.  share a vehicle which allows them to express these feelings safely

5.  learn about the normality of their reactions and prepare them for reactions they might experience as a result of their trauma

6.  have an opportunity to re-attach emotionally to the adult world which they often perceive as having betrayed them

7.  have time for trauma-specific attention so they find relief from their terror and develop a sense of power over it.

8.  replace the terror and sadness with happy memories.

 

Who can be referred?

 All children and youth.  Residents of the greater Illinois Quad Cities area.  Those experiencing a traumatic event or significant loss. 

 

How much does it cost?

 Services are provided at no charge to the children and families

 

How do I make a referral?

 Referrals can be made by call the Child Abuse Council for an initial consultation.

 

Who provides services?

 Services are provided by a masters level social worker, licensed by the state of Illinois and certified as School Specialist and Trauma Consultant by the Institute for the Trauma and Loss to Children and Gross Point Woods,. Michigan.

 
Expectations and Outcomes

There are two possible outcomes anticipated from participation.

1.  The child's/youth's response to an traumatic event is stabilized and normalized. or

2.  We will be better able to identify what and perhaps who else is needed to address the trauma.  You and your child will feel less frightened by what is happening and you will be more knowledgeable and fee more in control.  The situation will not be as threatening,  difficult to manage or, as disruptive to your everyday life.