What:

For:

Parents Will:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of trauma and attachment, symptoms, behaviors, prospects, and impact on families.
• Learn specific techniques to promote attachment.
• Develop understanding of the children’s feelings.
• Build a cooperative team within the child’s community – family, school, other services.
• Have access to feedback and support regarding their children’s progress.

Children Will:

• Participate in safe attachment methods, which can be carried over to home and community.
• Develop strategies to manage those feelings, which may be causing difficulty (anger, sadness, etc.).
• Learn ways to communicate those feelings.
• Learn ways to improve problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

Format:  

• Group play therapy for children.
• Group instruction, discussion and sharing for parents or guardians.

Group Length:

There are two phases to the program (TAG 1 and TAG 2). Most children and their caregivers who complete TAG 1 will move on to TAG 2. Each of TAG 1 and 2 run twice a year for 12 weeks each. Additionally, any caregivers who are or have been involved in the TAG programs are eligible to attend biweekly parent support groups (TAG 3).

Participants:

Minimum 8 children, Maximum 10 children

When:

Where:

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

Who Can Refer:

Mental Health Clinicians

Referral Eligibility:

• Child has been diagnosed with an attachment disorder.
• Children attending this group are between the ages of 5 years and 12 years.
• Children are currently living in a secure, safe home (minimum 1 year) with committed non-biological parents or guardians.
• Current family functioning will allow the parents or guardians and child to participate in therapy for up to two years from the start of the program.
• Children will not be involved in concurrent treatment.
• Physician care is transferred to the CASA psychiatrist.
• The referring clinician will make a written commitment to provide follow-up care.
  

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 780-438-0011.