If a child needs more than a two week intensive program in order to effectively live in a family setting, they may be admitted to our long term treatment program. Long term treatment can mean anything from one month to one year or longer. The goal of long term treatment is to change patterns of behavior, teach reciprocity, enhance the ability to trust/attach, teach the child to make good choices, etc. During long term treatment, the placing parents return home, while the child continues in treatment to work on their life.

The child receives therapy as frequently as needed, but at least weekly. Quarterly psychiatric reviews as well as quarterly treatment planning are required. Families report on progress weekly. A monthly progress report is sent to placing families/agencies. Regular contact between placing families and therapeutic families/therapists/ACE staff helps to facilitate a team approach. Families are encouraged to continue to work on individual or family issues during this time. This is also a good time to begin to develop community resources that will be helpful when your child returns home: These resources should include: a support group, trained respite care, working relationships with therapist, schools, physicians, extended family, etc. A well informed and coordinated support team will make your work as parent so much easier and will help your child to maintain gains he/she has made in the program.

The goal of long term treatment is to get your child home as soon as possible, while helping your child to experience success in being respectful, responsible and fun to be around.

REINTEGRATION

Reintegration is the process of helping your child rejoin your family in a good way. Your child has made some changes. You have made some changes. A well thought out treatment plan makes this process effective. The process of reintegration may include several extended visits and trials. It should include some contingency plans. Placing parents can anticipate some testing behavior. Regular phone contact between placing parents and therapeutic parents can help provide opportunities for support and for parenting strategies. A visit to the placing family by our therapeutic foster parent can provide the opportunity for additional training and support. Our therapeutic parent might also work with a respite provider, a support group, school systems, etc. to enhance the support network you have available to you. The option to send your child back to The Attachment Center for a period of respite can help to maintain gains.

It is important to request help before things get too far out-of-control. "A stitch in time saves nine" is good advice when it comes to addressing your child's behaviors. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

Your hometown therapist is a necessary part of this process. On-going therapy by a trained attachment therapist will help all of you to maintain the gains you have made and to continue to progress. Your therapist should help you to develop parenting strategies that work for your child, and should help to empower you in your role as parents. Insist on this.

© The Attachment Center at Evergreen