There is an urgent need to address the problems of traumatized, abused and neglected children as well as the need for trained professions able to recognize this trauma and intervene effectively. If behavior problems are not addressed in the early formative years, they are likely to develop into serious dysfunctional disorders as an adult.

Dr. Bruce D. Perry explains the severity of this problem in the community:

“If 20 million people were infected by a virus that caused anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, sleep problems, depression, respiratory and heart problems, vulnerability to substance abuse, antisocial and criminal behavior, retardation and school failure, we would consider it an urgent public health crisis. Yet, in the United States alone, there are more than 20 million abused, neglected and traumatized children vulnerable to these problems. Our society has yet to recognize this epidemic, let alone develop an immunization strategy.”

In order to effectively and quickly effect change for the child, parents, teachers and professionals must understand the basis of the problem and how to therapeutically intervene to ameliorate the problem. The entire community needs services to make a difference. Young children’s mental health is dependant on their relationships and interactions with their caregivers. Therefore, ABC’s Childcare Community Social Emotional Wellness program offers workshops and modeling for teachers, parenting workshops, child-parent psychotherapy and counseling for parents and teachers so that caregivers are healthy in at-risk childcare centers and homeless shelters. Universities rarely offer courses on the problems, causes and interventions for young children. ABC trains graduate level interns from local universities to provide education and training for future mental health therapists and clinical social workers. The Play Therapy Academy provides workshops and extensive training for professionals working with these young at-risk children and families.

ABC has an Advisory Committee consisting of local childcare community individuals (staff, parents, directors). They elucidate the needs (and possible solutions) of the community while tailoring them to its values and priorities. The community is empowered to help ABC determine how to best meet these needs. The committee has suggested, and ABC has implemented, a literacy program for children, teachers and parents, changes in the times of training to better fit the schedules of the parents and teachers, etc.

ABC has worked with other organizations to meet the numerous needs of the community. We have had funding drives to buy bikes, carpet and clothing for at-risk centers. Situs company of Boca Raton selected ABC as a recipient of a diaper and baby food drive in December. The Sagemont School’s Hispanic Honor Society, Amberwood Preschool Academy and the Friends of Weston Foundation worked together to provide Pumpkin Pies and gift bags to every child and teachers (over 175) the day before Thanksgiving at My First Steps Preschool in West Palm Beach.

ABC continues to work to change the entire environment; starting by improving each individuals’ mental health, then changing at-risk childcare centers by training parents and teachers to be more therapeutic and ensuring professionals can effectively treat children and families by supplying much needed training.