Some Thoughts on Oprah
–by Laura Dennis Yes, I’m talking about that Oprah. Specifically, her 60 Minutes segment and online followup about childhood trauma. I’m not especially given to following celebrities, not even when they support causes I believe in. But last night, I was glued first to my TV, then my computer screen. This time a celebrity was speaking straight into […]
Dear Educator
My kids have been blessed with many amazing teachers. I have many friends and family in education. They put in many hours and pursue continuing education to become better. Most deal with students from a wide variety of backgrounds with varying abilities, skills, weaknesses, and experiences. It is difficult to learn about every special need, disability, trigger, culture or background that might impact the students you work with. I totally get that. I, like many of my friends, have a kid who has suffered early trauma, and I try to let my kid’s educators know. Here are a few things about popular school activities that, as a parent of one of these very special kids, I would like for you to know.
Are Traumatized Children Hopeless?
–by Julie Beem I’ve been to a handful of post-adoption conferences this spring and summer. After working with ATN for over a decade, I have been excited by the number of workshops and speakers addressing early childhood trauma, and in some cases citing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study. I remember all too well the […]
The Unfinished Quilt Top: Unraveling Threads
–by Carl Young Manager’s note: You can read more about Carl’s journey with his son at http://fightingforanswers.com/blog It’s a heart-breaking journey and an absolute must-read. Unfinished quilt tops. Loose fabric, pieced together. seams re-sewn to strengthen the final product. adjustments, another persons eye to style and color. A work in progress. I have been told, I […]
Advocating for Your Traumatized Foster Child in School
Julie Beem, MBA, Executive Director of ATN and Melissa Sadin, MAT, M.Ed., Director of ATN’s Creating Trauma Sensitive Schools Program wrote a feature article in the March/April issue of Fostering Families Today magazine. The article gives insight on how trauma impacts learning and on strategies for advocating for your traumatized child at school. A copy […]
The Dynamics of Disruption
By Nancy Spoolstra, DVM Although there are several possible explanations for why an individual, a couple, or a family chooses to add an unrelated child to their home, in today’s modern society it usually boils down to one basic principle—the desire to parent a child or another child. Perhaps some are motivated more by altruistic […]
House Passes Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act
July 2016. On July 6, the House of Representatives passed this act which, among other things, will: create the position of Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders to take over the responsibilities of the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). amend the Public Health Service Act to […]
Families First Prevention Services Act Passed the House
June 2016. On Tuesday, June 21, the Families First Prevention Services Act passed with bipartisan support. This bill will change the SSA Title IV to enable states to provide prevention services and supports to children at risk of entering the child welfare system. These services and supports include mental health and substance abuse prevention and […]
Three Experts Join ATN’s Advisory Council
April 2016. The Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN), the voice for traumatized children and their families since 1995, has added three Advisors to their newly formed Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is a group of experts in the areas of Child Development, Early Childhood Trauma, Attachment/Trauma Disorders, Adoption, Trauma-Sensitive Education, At-Risk Youth and other Child […]
ATN Joins Coalition Urging Georgia to End Discrimination Against Children with Emotional Disorders
November 2015. A broad coalition of advocacy groups – including the Attachment & Trauma Network – is urging the state of Georgia to transform its separate and unequal educational program serving thousands of children with behavioral disabilities into a system that provides needed services and supports to integrate students into their own local schools. The […]