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Many children under the age of 12 experience trauma and do not receive any psychological support. Lack of support may lead to behaviour changes, nightmares, anxiety, grief and low mood. Children may also not adequately develop many important life skills due to being in a traumatic situation. This could lead to complex mental health issues growing up which could affect their day-to-day lives.
CHN, ACT’s PHN commissioned CatholicCare to deliver Stepping Stones which is a free, therapeutic service for children aged 12 and under who have experienced trauma. Trauma may include a single incident or repeated traumatic incidents such as abuse, neglect or witnessing family violence. Through a trauma informed multidisciplinary team approach, this program supports children and their families to recover from the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (trauma) with a particular focus on the child’s mental health, wellbeing and development.
Over the last year, the demand has continued to grow with 144 children accessing Stepping Stones. Over 80% of clients experienced a reduction in symptoms. To support the continued high level of service delivery, Stepping Stones has a dedicated multi-disciplinary team and clinicians enhanced their skillset with Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy training.
Client story
Olivia* (not their real name) was referred to the Stepping Stones program by her school as she had mood disturbances, behavioural and emotional difficulties after experiencing exposure to family violence. Olivia and her mother attended sessions with a psychologist to engage in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment model designed to help children and their families overcome emotional and psychological difficulties related to experiencing traumatic events.
The Family Worker met with the After School Hours staffing team where many of the challenging behaviours and heightened emotions were being displayed. The Family Worker ensured that the existing Behaviour Support Plan was being implemented, as well as the Psychologist’s recommendations (e.g. a calming box that the child had developed in session).
Following this, the Family Worker engaged with Olivia’s mother around helping Olivia to recognise, respond to and manage her emotions. This was done using an evidence-based parenting program delivered individually in an outreach setting. During this time the August 2021 COVID lockdown was announced, including the closure of schools, which significantly impacted on the mother’s wellbeing as she was supporting the home learning of Olivia and her siblings, and working and studying from home. Olivia’s Mum identified she was feeling overwhelmed and depressed so the program supported Olivia’s Mum to be able to get through the situation and to support the children as best she could. The Family Worker also organised practical supports such as assistance with grocery deliveries, as well as providing information to Olivia’s Mum about services that could support her own mental health needs.
