K13

Honoring Children: Implementation of Four Evidence-Based Treatments in Indian Country

 

Presenters: Dolores Subia BigFoot

Abstract Category: Diversity

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Click Here

 

Description:

This presentation will include the cultural adaptation and implementation process of Evidence-Based Treatments with American Indian/Alaska Native children exposed to trauma.

 

Abstract:

The Indian Country Child Trauma Center has identified a set of empirically supported child trauma intervention models, and has built on the foundation of Native traditional teachings and practices to develop culturally relevant treatment interventions. The presentation is an opportunity to present information on the issue of evidence based treatment with American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

 

It will include the adaptation and implementation process of EBT with AI/AN children exposed to trauma. Steps of implementation for creating culturally based adaptations of EBT will be presented including the essential considerations and the current knowledge necessary to move EBT to American Indian and Alaska Native treatments providers and tribal communities.

 

Four adapted evidence based treatments will be presented:

 

Honoring Children-Mending the Circle (TF-CBT)

Honoring Children-Respectful Ways (Treatment of Children with Sexual Behavior Problems)

Honoring Children-Making Relatives (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy)

Honoring Children-Honoring the Future (Suicide Intervention-Prevention Strategies)

 

The use of evidence based treatment has particular poignancy for American Indians and Alaskan Native since this population, typically, is not included in research trials. Evidence based treatments are being promoted but AI/AN tribal groups are quite hesitant to adopt much less incorporate into their service program, treatments that may hold little relevance for them.

 

ICCTC at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, supported by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has developed, refined, and disseminated culturally relevant trauma intervention models for use with children in Indian Country. The premise of the cultural adaptation is the belief that American Indians and Native Alaska cultures have current healing practices, activities, and ceremonies that were and are used therapeutically and are based on knowing how to instruct individuals regarding relationships, child rearing, understanding healing, and understanding what makes life unbalanced.