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Adapting Evidence-Based Treatments for Use with American Indian and Native Alaskan Children and Youth (PDF)
By Janie Braden, Delores Subia Bigfoot, Indian Country Child Trauma Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Focal Point; Winter, 2007

Summary: This article describes how evidence-based treatments (EBTs) were adapted for American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) families. AI/AN communities experience a disproportionate number of events that put them at risk for trauma reactions. Because of past experiences with misguided programs offered by the government and social service organizations, many AI/AN people are distrustful and reluctant to consider professional mental health services. The Indian Country Child Trauma Center worked with EBT developers and a diverse group of Native cultural consultants to create intervention and training materials as well as implement support strategies and protocols. The four Honoring Children interventions build on common and Tribal-specific cultural elements to provide culturally relevant therapeutic approaches: (1) Honoring Children, Making Relatives; (2) Honoring Children, Respectful Ways; (3) Honoring Children, Honoring the Future; and (4) Honoring Children, Mending the Circle. The guiding vision is that Native children who are experiencing trauma will be able to access treatment that is structured and systematic, but also culturally responsive, promoting connection with their community, their culture, and their heritage.

Index Terms: Alaska Natives, Early Childhood Education, Evidence-Based Practice, Native Americans, Tribal Child Care, At Risk Families, Community Role, Cultural Enrichment, Demographics, Outcomes, Tribal

Publisher: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Heatlh, Portland State University

Publication Type: Reports (Research/technical)

Pages: 4 pages
Language: English
URL: http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/PDF/fpW0706.pdf

Availability
Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Heatlh
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, Oregon 97207-0751
503-725-4175
FAX: 503-725-4180
rtcpubs@pdx.edu
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/

 
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