Half of all students in the U.S. have been exposed to at least one traumatic event such as the death or incarceration of a parent, witnessing or being a witness to a violent crime, or living in a household with suicidal, alcoholic, or drug addicted family members.

These children are at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress, depression, behavioral disorders, and sharp declines in academic performance.
Our trauma-focused, school-based programs provide children with access to the treatment they need and are designed to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, behavioral problems, and to improve functioning, grades and attendance.
Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS)
What is CBITS?
Delivered in a school setting, CBITS is an evidence-based, group therapy program for students suffering from post-traumatic stress symptoms due to experiences of physical and sexual abuse, community and domestic violence, and other forms of trauma. It is designed to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and behavioral problems, and to improve functioning, grades and attendance, peer and parent support, and coping skills.

Students enrolled in CBITS participate in ten (10) group therapy sessions. The program also includes 1-3 individual session(s), 1-2 parent/caregiver session(s), and one (1) teacher educational session.

Where is CBITS available?
We currently provide to middle and high school student who attend Norwalk International Academy and Brien McMahon High School.

How are children selected for CBITS?
Referrals to CBITS are made by school staff (e.g., social workers, administrators, etc.) who identify students with a history of trauma and who present with post-traumatic stress symptoms. Upon parent/caregiver consent to treatment, our CBITS trained clinical team conducts a comprehensive mental/behavioral health assessment of each referred student.
Program Enrollment
CBITS enrollment is by referral only from school staff.

Schools interested in offering CBITS should call us at (203) 299-1315.
Ages
Grades 9 -12
Location
Norwalk International Academy at Norwalk and Brien McMahon High Schools
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Yes.
Fees
CBITS is provided at no charge.
Bounce Back
What is Bounce Back?
Similar to CBITS, Bounce Back is a group intervention aimed at relieving symptoms of child post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and functional impairment among elementary school children (ages 5-11) who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Bounce Back teaches coping skills, feelings identification, relaxation, positive activities, and problem solving techniques.

Students enrolled in Bounce Back participate in ten (10) group therapy sessions. The program also includes 1-2 individual session(s), 1-2 parent/caregiver session(s).

Where is Bounce Back available?
We currently offer Bounce Back in all twelve Norwalk elementary schools.

How are children selected for Bounce Back?
Referrals to Bounce Back are made by school staff (e.g., social workers, administrators, etc.) who identify students with a history of trauma and who present with post-traumatic stress symptoms. Upon parent/caregiver consent to treatment, our Bounce Back trained clinical team conducts a comprehensive mental/behavioral health assessment of each referred student.
Program Enrollment
Bounce Back enrollment is by referral only from school staff.

Schools interested in offering Bounce Back should call us at (203) 299-1315.
Ages
Elementary school students
Location
Norwalk Elementary Schools
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Yes.
Fees
Bounce Back is provided at no charge.
Trauma Informed Care Training

What is Trauma Informed Care training?

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) training is designed educate teachers and school staff about childhood trauma, how it affects a child’s behavior and ability to learn within the school setting, and how educators can build a system that is more responsive to the needs of school-aged children. TIC strives to shift the underlying question from “What is wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” 

 

Where is TIC available?

We currently offer TIC training to Norwalk school system teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals.

 

What is included in the TIC training curriculum?

Participants receive six hours of TIC training including a screening of the documentary film RESILIENCE which explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Training can be customized depending on the specific needs of the school/program.

Program Availability
TIC training is offered during the school year. To learn more about TIC training please contact us at (203) 299-1315.
Early Childhood Consultation Partnership (ECCP®)

What is ECCP?

Early Childhood Consultation Partnership (ECCP®) is an evidence-based program offered throughout the State of Connecticut and designed to offer early childhood educators and families with consultation services focused on the healthy social and emotional development of children. ECCP® consultants work together with teachers and parents of children (birth - age 5) to provide meaningful strategies to help children build skills such as self-regulation, managing emotions, increasing attention, flexible thinking and learning to play and socialize with peers.

 

What are the goals of ECCP®?

  • Prevention of child suspension or expulsion from early childhood settings.

  • Help community childcare providers, educators, and families understand and promote early childhood social emotional development, including challenging behaviors.

  • Assist in identifying young children’s social emotional needs and respond with appropriate services and referrals.

  • Address concerns raised by childcare providers, educators, and families.

  • Provide referrals to community-based education and behavioral health services.

Program Availability
To learn more about ECCP or to make a referral, please call us at (203) 299-1315.