Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley offers a continuum of social services to assist people of all faiths. Programs of CSSMV build families and help empower individuals through actions of faith, service and charity.

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HOME > SERVICES FOR CHILDREN > CHILD ATTACHMENT THERAPY > DETAILS
More About Child Attachment Therapy
Child Attachment Therapy Services The program seeks to “jump start” the attachment cycle which was impacted as the result of the child’s earlier trauma. Child Attachment Therapy begins the attachment and healing process for the child and the adoptive family. Child Attachment Therapy program has three important parts: Assessment Session – This is an extended session which includes parents and child(ren) to assess the severity of need and the appropriate intervention strategy. Intensive Intervention – These sessions are three hours daily for five or more days. The child is confronted with his/her painful past of unmet needs, encouraged to let go of fears, and helped to accept the love of his/her adoptive parents. Parents are supported in their role of parenting a hurt child and helped to understand the unique and creative methods that will work in parenting their child. Follow-up Sessions – The child, family and therapists schedule two-hour, bi-monthly sessions. During these sessions, the team works to reinforce the skills and perceptions learned during the Intensive Intervention. These sessions allow for discussion of ongoing family crises as they occur. Follow-up sessions are scheduled for the first year after the Intensive Intervention. Return to top Is Your Child a Candidate for Child Attachment Therapy? Not every troubled child is an appropriate candidate for Child Attachment Therapy. The therapy is specifically designed for the child who exhibits clear symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder. The first step requires an assessment of your child’s history and current behavioral symptoms. If you review the checklist and determine that your child displays several of the symptoms that are listed, you are encouraged to call the Catholic Social Services' office for additional information about the program. Complete child and family assessment is an in-depth process and requires a commitment of time and resources. Your insurance provider may cover assessment and/or counseling fees. Your child may also be eligible for an adoption subsidy from county, state or federal agencies. To assure that services are provided to all families in need, Child Attachment Therapy counselors will provide documentation to help you find and get approved for available funding options. Return to top Signs of Reactive Attachment Disorder Ages 1 to 5 Excessively clingy and whiny. Persistent, frequent tantrums, sometimes escalating apparently beyond the child’s control. Unable to occupy self in a positive way without involving others. Intolerant of separation from primary caretakers except on child’s terms. Indiscriminate displays of affection, sometimes to strangers. Problems of speech development or motor coordination – considered accident-prone. Hyperactivity evident. Feeding problems. By age five, may be manipulative, devious, destructive, harmful to pets, frequently lying. Ages 5 to 14 Lack of eye contact with others while talking with them. Indiscriminately affectionate with strangers or asks to go home with them. Refuses affection, pushes parents away unless the child is in control of how and when affection is received. Destructive to self, others and material things – seems to enjoy hurting others. Cruelty to animals. Stealing – steals in ways that almost guarantees getting caught. Lying about obvious. Lies when it is just as easy to tell the truth. No impulse control. Extremely defiant and angry. Learning lags. Underachieves in school. Lack of cause and effect thinking. Surprised when others are upset by his or her actions. Poor peer relationships. Preoccupation with fire or gore. Sexual acting out – may act sexually provocative with peers or adults. Return to top Foster and Adoptive Parent Support Group Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley is offering a free monthly support group for foster and adoptive parents of children with attachment issues. Bobbi Staigers, L.I.S.W. facilitates the group. Bobbi is an experienced family therapist who is knowledgeable about attachment disorders, treatment options, and the challenges of parenting. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at 1046 Brown Street Dayton, Ohio 45409. For more information, contact Bobbi Staigers at 937-296-1007.


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