Supporting the therapeutic environment: A program plan for training direct care staff within the shelter care environment

This proposed program plan is designed to offer training modules for newly hired direct care staff who work within a shelter care environment. Training content focuses on principles and concepts related to supporting the therapeutic environment as a part of milieu treatment for youth, with an emphasis on incorporating research-based information about the neurodevelopmental effects of chronic or complex trauma on children and adolescents who have been exposed to the trauma of abuse or neglect. Participants will be provided information related to the development of early attachment relationships coinciding with neurological development and the potential effects of early trauma on emotional, cognitive, and social development in children as well as the potential impact on the youth's ability to form relationships. Special consideration will be given during the training modules to the unique qualities of the shelter environment and the potential implications for the staff's interactions with the youth in their care. Training modules are designed to be offered in an interactive format which will appeal to participants with a wide range of education within the field of psychology and work experience in clinical settings.