Teen TAG group description

What:

A training, support and treatment program for teens (12 to 17 years of age) suffering from an Attachment Disorder and/or Post-traumatic Stress, and their caregivers or guardians.  The program is designed to promote healthy attachment behaviours, develop greater trust, better social skills, increase effective strategies for stress management, assist in the resolution of trauma, as well as develop and promote healthy attachment to biological (non-offending), adopted, or foster parents.

For:


Parents Will:
  • Deepen their understanding/knowledge of trauma and disrupted attachment symptoms, behaviours, prognosis, and impact on families
  • Practice and improve on the techniques and skills which promote healthy relationships
  • Develop greater understanding the child’s feelings
  • Continue to build a cooperative/collaborative team within the child’s community, i.e., family, friends, school and other services and resources
  • Have continued access to feedback and support regarding their child’s progress and their own parenting skills

Children Will:
  • Participate in groups where they can develop a trusting and non-threatening relationship with their primary caregiver
  • Practice and improve strategies/skills to identify and express feelings which may be causing difficulty (e.g., sadness, anger)
  • Practice and improve problem solving and conflict resolution methods/skills

Format:  

In a Group Setting
  • Anxiety reduction, relaxation and mindfulness activities, and somatosensory strategies for adolescent with primary caregiver
  • Trauma processing using sand tray, and other art mediums for adolescent, with parent/guardian
  • Story time, closure for adolescent and parent/guardian
  • Feedback and support for parents/guardians

Session Length:

Weekly 2 hour sessions, approximately 28 weeks including orientation and feedback session for parents/guardians

Participants:

Minimum 6 children, maximum 8 children

When:

Teen TAG is offered once a year, September through April.  Please contact the CASA Intake Receptionist at CASA Centre for exact dates and times.

Where:

CASA Centre, 10645 – 63 Avenue, Edmonton, AB.

Who Can Refer:

Mental health clinicians and child psychiatrists.

Referral Eligibility:


Eligibility exclusions:

 

Information Required:
  • Children’s Mental Health Regional Intake documentation
  • A comprehensive mental health assessment, (psychiatric or psychological assessments will also be accepted) and a DSM IV diagnosis completed within the past year
  • A letter of referral stating a commitment from the referring clinician to provide follow-up care
  • Children’s Services Information Consolidation (when available)

Referral Process:
  • The referring clinician directs a referral to Regional Children’s Mental Health Intake (780-342-2701)
  • Regional Intake will screen the referral for eligibility and required documentation
  • If appropriate the referral will be forwarded to CASA Intake Services
  • Families will be asked to attend a screening interview where they learn more about the program and expectations
  • CASA will advise the referring clinician of the outcome of the referral

For More Information:

Please contact the Program Manager, School Age Services at 780-400-2271.