Homes That Heal

The Gillis Homes That Heal program provides treatment foster care for children, ages 6-12 years, with behavioral and/or emotional problems due to trauma or chronic stress. With the help of families like yours, we provide a home for children that is safe and healthy. It is our belief that a home-style placement provides the children with the best opportunities to heal. Foster parents are provided with information on the effects of trauma and chronic stress and are given tools to be implemented in their home setting. They will also be assisted in developing a home program structure that includes daily routines, house norms and a restorative discipline approach.

 

Treatment Model

 

Homes That Heal is a trauma informed program, utilizing The Sanctuary Model®, an evidence-based model of treatment.

 

First Day

 

House norms and routines are established from the beginning of the child’s placement in the foster

home. The foster family and coordinator carefully address concerns and goals with emphasis on exploring the child’s strengths.

 

First Week

 

The individual therapist meets with the child to conduct an initial assessment including the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children instrument. Weekly therapy sessions will include therapist guided activities using strategies for avoiding trauma reenactments, development of coping skills, modulating arousal, and social empathy. The treatment foster family will also practice and reinforce skills learned and is supported by home coaching sessions with the coordinator.

 

Monthly Treatment Team Meetings

 

These will be held for the purpose of treatment planning and measuring progress and include the child, family, foster parents, therapists, referral worker and coordinator.

 

Child Transition Plan

 

As the child progresses to the level of desired outcomes the coordiantor will work toward transition to a more permanent placement. Transition includes visits to the aftercare environment and continued contact as needed with program staff and even Homes That Heal family members to sustain progress.

 

Services Offered

 

Foster Parents

  • Receive specialized training in trauma theory, avoiding power struggles, discipline approaches, safety, and self care
  • Work as members of a treatment team to provide a safe, structured and healing environment
  • Receive an enhanced level of support from program staff including 24/7 crisis intervention, bi-weekly home visits, and foster parent support groups
  • Receive reimbursement per month when a child is placed in their home

 

Youth

  • Provided with a nurturing environment
  • Provided with structure and stability
  • Provided with a supportive relationship with at least one adult
  • Provided with trauma informed treatment to begin the road to healing including individual and family therapy
  • Participate in weekly psycho-educational groups
Upcoming Trainings
 
April 28, 2012 - Click here for more information.
 

Admission

 

For more information about Gillis please contact us by phone at 816-508-3500, by email at geninfo@gillis.org.

What we offer
Campus-Based Treatment

When provided a safe and supportive living environment boys and girls who have experienced traumatic events in their young lives can begin to heal emotionally and physically. Read More.

Community-Based Intensive Family Counseling

These programs increase opportunities for children, youth and families to improve and strengthen relationships that will have a positive impact on their lives at home, school and in the community. Read More.

Community-Based Social Services
Historically, children coming into contact with the child welfare system for abuse and/or neglect were often removed from their parents care and placed in foster care. Read More.
 
School-Based Day Treatment

Students in Gillis Day Treatment School have an opportunity to experience success in a classroom setting. Because of behavioral and/or emotional disorders children attending our school are challenged by a traditional classroom setting. Read More.