Intro to Trauma Competent Care
Presence of a Safe Adult Lesson 8
GOAL: What the presence of a safe adult will do in the life of a child. We have discussed and visualized the impact of trauma on the body, brain, belief system, biology and behavior and how to help a person who has come from a trauma background. Unless we understand the impact of trauma, we cannot fully understand how to meet their needs and help them move toward healing.
Success Brain Relaxes, Heart Softens
Felt Safety
Healthy, Safe Adult Relationship
Journey Toward Success 1. Begin with a Healthy, Safe Adult Relationship Much research has shown that the most critical part of a child’s developmental trajectory is the presence of at least one safe adult. The presence of a safe adult that will keep them from further harm and help them orient is essential to their healing and development. 2. Create an Environment of Felt Safety Even though we may know the child is safe, unless they feel safe, their alarm systems are on. Many of our children come from such a place—they never feel safe—their brains and nervous systems are stuck in fear. 3. Allow the Brain to Relax and the Heart to Soften The brain cannot protect us and help us develop at the same time. When the brain relaxes and the heart softens, the following begin to develop: • Executive functioning • Creativity • Relational and people skills • Self-regulation and a host of other functions • Success is within reach!
“Children need two things to grow and heal. The first is a conducive environment and the second is time.” © 2019 Christian Alliance for Orphans & Back2Back Ministries. cafo.org/global