HOPE PROGRAM:
Trauma & Loss
Counseling for Children
Free Program for youth ages 5 to 18 who have experienced a homicide and/or
assault in their family or community
Through a
grant of the Victim of Crime Act, Catholic Charities of Tennessee started the
HOPE Program in 1998. This program serves children who are considered secondary
victims of homicide or victims of assault. These children have had family
members or friends who have been murdered, have witnessed homicides/assault, or
simply live or play in neighborhoods where homicides/assaults have happened,
and are experiencing changes in emotions and behaviors as a result.
The HOPE
Program provides trauma-focused group and individual support for children
between the ages of 5 and 18. Children are divided into groups based on age and
circumstances, such as whether the focus is on grief or trauma. A group is
usually limited to 6 or 7 children and meets for 8 weeks. Transportation and
snacks are provided by the agency. There
is no fee for this program.
Group
meetings use interactive activities to engage the children on topics
ranging from the stages and tasks of grief, to understanding how
grief affects individuals and families, to expressing feelings in
appropriate ways, to increasing personal safety. Through the
meetings, children are able to normalize their experiences and understand the
feelings they have, as well as learn new coping skills and identify personal
support systems. The HOPE workers also assist families in locating and
accessing other services as needed.
An added
feature of the HOPE Program is the provision of youth workshops focusing on topics such as the stages of grief, the
reality of crime and violence, conflict resolution, and dealing with peer
pressure. These workshops are done in schools and organizations throughout the
city and are provided free of charge.
To make a referral to the HOPE Program,
please contact
Jessica Chapman, LMSW, HOPE Counselor at (615) 352-5827
No comments:
Post a Comment