Promoting the Psycho-Social-Emotional Health of Children and Adolescents

Wednesday, 9 July 2008

Learning Objective 1: identify the purpose, goals, and objectives of The Safer Tomorrows: Injury Prevention and Violence Reduction Project.

Learning Objective 2: state the proposed evidence base outcomes of The Safer Tomorrows: Injury Prevention and Violence Reduction Project.

Children and adolescents exposed to violence and trauma may exhibit moderate to severe psycho-social-emotional health care problems. In collaboration with the Michigan Department of Community Health, as well as, with other Partners, Volunteers, Collaborating Agencies and Organizations, The Safer Tomorrows: Injury Prevention and Violence Reduction Project has begun the journey of identifying children and adolescents who are presently at-risk for and possibly at-risk for exposure to violence, trauma, traumatic events or trauma-induced adverse events in the future. Our overall goal or focus is to assist this population of children, adolescents, and their families. We plan to identify programs and services which will enhance and promote their overall general health and well-being. In addition, one of the many proposed significant outcomes of The Safer Tomorrows: Injury Prevention and Violence Reduction Project is to assist children and adolescents in establishing an alternative cognitive schema. Thus, to assist in these efforts we plan to use various concepts relating to healthy peaceful conflict resolution. Furthermore, we plan to utilize The Safer Tomorrows Project Case Management Research Practice Model. The Safer Tomorrows Project Case Management Research Practice Model consists of a structured format which addresses (1) "Safety Nets" for children, (2) access to services,(3) the coordination of services with multidisciplinary health care providers and interdisciplinary community-based providers and volunteers, and (4) provision and reinforcement of health education around the themes of injury prevention, violence reduction and healthy peaceful conflict practices and strategies.