“When you connect to the heart of a child, everything is possible.” – Dr. Karyn Purvis

One of the many resources available for those who are caring for children, specifically those children who have come from difficult experiences, is Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) parenting training. Developed through the work of Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross, TBRI® is “an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children” (Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development).

When trauma is experienced in children, changes in their bodies, brains, behaviors, and belief systems occur. The ability to trust anyone is negatively impacted and behaviors that are illogical or perplexing can take place. This can result in common parenting strategies to be ineffective. Considering the influence of trauma, TBRI® utilizes an approach that incorporates the principles of empowering, connecting, and correcting to strategically address these changes and help to disarm fear-based behaviors that occur in these children (Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development).

If this parent training sounds like something you could benefit from, here are a few ways to access it:

• If you are in the process of adopting or becoming guardians of a child who is in the custody of the Department of Child Services (DCS), TBRI® parenting trainings are just one aspect of the services that are provided to all families who have been referred to Lifeline for Pre-Adoption or Guardianship Support Services.
•  If you have already finalized an adoption or guardianship and live in the State of Indiana, you can self-refer to receive Post-Adoption or Guardianship Support Services from Lifeline, and receive TBRI® trainings as part of these services. You can go here to self-refer: Adoption & Guardianship Support Services – Lifeline
• The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development provides a wealth of information and resources that you can review, including books, trainings, and podcasts. Here is their website: Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development

Above all, know that you are never alone in your parenting journey and that there is no shame in admitting that what you’re currently doing may not be working. Or, as I’ve discovered on my own journey, what used to work no longer does! Be open to options, seek wise counsel, and continue to look for the good in every day, keeping in mind that what you look for, you typically find.