Together We Can

Description

A child is a person with a developing psyche who may often be faced with different types of violence – psychological, emotional or physical violence, peer and cyber-bullying, intimidation, discrimination, sexual harassment or neglect. Violence suffered by children affects the development of their personality and elicits early symptoms: post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, any of which can grow into serious negative consequences such as depression, addictions, destructive thoughts, delinquent behaviour, etc.  There is a lack of adequate assistance for Lithuanian children who experienced violence. There is limited professional psychological services in the Lithuania''s outlying municipalities, there is a stigma along with financial barriers when seeking out professional help.
The goal of the project is to reduce early symptoms that occur after an experience of violence or trauma for 1st-12th grade students by implementing an evidence-based CBITS (Cognitive Intervention for Trauma in Schools) and Bounce Back programs. CBITS and Bounce Back are effective (science-based), quick to implement (10 group sessions and 3-5 individual sessions), easily accessible (free of charge, implemented in schools), comprehensive (they include work with the child''s environment: parents/caregivers, teachers), reliable (developed by academic researchers in the USA, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, successufully adapted in USA, Japan, Australia). During the project:
- CBITS and Bounce Back will be adapted in small and medium sized cities of Lithuania; at least 80 school psychologists and socio-educational instructors will be trained to implement programs;
- children who experienced traumas and show early symptoms will be identified;
- children with early symptoms will get professional help free of charge. Their parents/caregivers, teachers will get help too.

Summary of project results

The goal of the project "Together we can" is to reduce early symptoms that occur after an experience of violence or trauma for 1st-12th grade pupils by implementing an evidence-based CBITS (Cognitive Intervention for Trauma in Schools) and Bounce Back programs.

Violence suffered by children affects the development of their personality and elicits early symptoms: post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, any of which can grow into serious negative consequences such as depression, addictions, destructive thoughts, delinquent behavior, etc.  There is a lack of adequate assistance for Lithuanian children who experienced violence. There is limited professional psychological services in the Lithuania''s outlying municipalities, there is a stigma along with financial barriers when seeking out professional help.

The application of CBITS and Bounce Back methodologies helps to achieve the goals:

1) to reduce the early symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety) that occur after violence and/or traumatic experiences;

2) to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms in the future;

3) increase peer and parental support for a child who has experienced violence and/or traumatic experiences.

CBITS and Bounce Back are effective (science-based), quick to implement (10 group sessions and 3-5 individual sessions), easily accessible (free of charge, implemented in schools), comprehensive (they include work with the child''s environment: parents/caregivers, teachers), reliable (developed by academic researchers in the USA, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, successufully adapted in USA, Japan, Australia).

The following tasks were implemented during the project:

• To train psychologists and social pedagogues from 12 small and medium-sized Lithuanian municipalities for long-term work with CBITS and Bounce Back methodologies;

• Identify children with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and/or depression;

• Adapt CBITS, Bounce Back methodologies and provide free professional support to pupils through interventions. Also work with their parents/guardians and teachers.

Target groups of the project: pupils in grades 1-12 who have experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder who have experienced violence and/or traumatic events; professionals working with children with violent/traumatic experiences; parents/guardians, teachers.The outcomes and impacts of the project:

• 104 specialists from Varėna, Pasvalys, Joniškis, Jonava, Ukmergė, Tauragė, Mažeikiai, Šilutė, Kretinga, Tauragė, Kelmė districts and Alytus city municipalities have been trained for long-term work with CBITS and Bounce Back methodologies. During the project, target groups were selected from 12 municipalities: for the CBITS methodology - 3333 pupils suffering from symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or post-traumatic stress syndrome; for the Bounce Back methodology - 1341 pupil.• CBITS methodological interventions (3975 interventions) were implemented in the first phase of the project. In the 2nd phase of the project, specialists performed Bounce back methodology interventions. A total of 1416 Bounce back interventions were performed by professionals trained in the project. Reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety in children who participated in the interventions improved their quality of life and mental health, and prevented further harmful effects.

• Educational activities were carried out for the child''s parents/guardians and educators about the harm of violence and proper communication with the child.

During the continuity period, the project manager will coordinate the use of methodologies in schools; CBITS and Bounce Back methodologies will be used for at least 5 years after the end of the project.