All children process trauma differently and, if left untreated, can have lasting negative impacts. Even with the support of family, some children do not recover on their own. Children of all ages can benefit from treatment, particularly children that are: acting out inside and outside the home; showing sudden changes in daily interests and habits; and who are upset or withdrawn for an extended period of time.
Mental Health
Children exposed to abuse and traumatic events may display a range of behavioral and emotional reactions that can negatively impact their daily functioning. Child victims of abuse are also at greater risk for multiple long term negative health and social outcomes. Such reactions and behaviors can lead to additional stressors on the family. Fortunately evidence-based, trauma interventions have been shown to be incredibly effective in improving the mental health of child abuse survivors and educating caregivers on how best to support their child through the recovery process.
No. While therapy is strongly recommended to help you and your child process the emotional impact of the abuse and potential issues that may arise as a result of the allegation, it is not mandatory.
No, the Jefferson CAC is a non-profit organization that provides all of its services free of charge.
Therapy is provided by licensed mental health professionals, as well as supervised master’s level social work and counseling student interns, specially trained in evidence-based treatments shown to be the most effective in reducing trauma symptoms and the risk for future abuse.
Because all children process their trauma differently, the length of therapy will be specific to their individual needs. Your therapist will create an individualized treatment plan that will be routinely reviewed and discussed with you.
The Jefferson CAC is proud to partner with Children’s Bureau of New Orleans to offer these evidence-based interventions to all children and families that attend a scheduled forensic interview.