|
TARGET Implementation Approach
Advanced Trauma Solutions, Inc. (ATS) is the sole source provider of TARGET. Along with the right to use copyrighted materials, ATS can provide planning and preparation services for the development of a comprehensive approach to providing trauma-informed services. Pre-training planning will include a site visit to provide an overview of trauma-informed services and to conduct an organizational readiness evaluation, the development of an implementation plan specific to the agency or system of care, and an individualized training and consultation schedule. TARGET implementation will include training and consultation, TARGET manuals and materials, and quality assurance.
ATS has developed a blended learning approach to dissemination and implementation that maximizes engagement and enhances staff competence, treatment fidelity, and long-term cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Preparing an agency to implement the TARGET model in group and individual treatment and within the milieu involves various phases of work which will be delivered over a period of 24 months and includes long-term support and supervision to sustain adoption of the model as well as the attitudes and skills needed to provide trauma-informed care.
Training includes a series of components that have been designed to guide administrators, clinical staff, and direct care staff through an intensive learning process that will prepare them to implement TARGET concepts in group and individual treatment settings, and in the milieu. This process takes place over an extended period of time in order to facilitate learning, build confidence and competence, and ensure fidelity to the model. The ATS team is committed to building an ongoing relationship with agencies that is based on a common commitment to addressing the long-term effects of trauma on youth, adults, and families receiving services in their programs, and a desire to provide the right tools for staff working in these programs. The ultimate goal of ATS is to develop a consistent educational and therapeutic approach to trauma-informed care throughout systems of care for individuals and their families who have experienced overwhelming and life-changing stress.
Phase I: On-site Assessment and Planning (Optional)
An overview of trauma-informed services will be presented along with the TARGET approach to addressing trauma among youth and adults for administrators, staff, and other key stakeholders
A profile of current trauma-specific capacities and a specific implementation plan will be developed based on an organizational readiness tool and information gathered in meetings with key stakeholders
An individualized training and consultation schedule will be developed based on the outcome of the organizational assessment.
Phase II: On-site Training
Assessment/Screening Tools (Optional)
Consultation in selecting specific validated measures of trauma exposure, traumatic stress, PTSD, complex PTSD, and resilience, and training for administering these measures. Training on trauma/PTSD screening packets, data collection, and quality assurance can be integrated into each of the TARGET trainings to insure system-wide adoption of these protocols.
Level One Introductory TARGET Training – 3 days
This workshop provides an overview of the TARGET conceptual framework and FREEDOM skill set that was developed by Dr. Julian Ford to address the core issue for trauma survivors, trauma-related biological reactivity. Over a period of 3 days, this workshop redefines the nature and dynamics of psychological trauma and explains how trauma causes “post-traumatic stress” by changing the brain and body’s stress response systems. TARGET as an approach that enhances resilience by helping survivors move from survival coping to emotional, mental, and relational regulation will be introduced using interactional teaching methods. This initial training will cover the impact of traumatic stress on the brain, social and emotional development, and ability to regulate affect; the neurobiology of stress and coping; introduction of the key concepts, terms, and skills for using TARGET; implementation of TARGET group, individual, and milieu psychoeducation, skills building, and therapy; engagement of adolescents and adults in treatment; FREEDOM skills practice; structure and process of TARGET group and individual sessions; experiential and creative arts exercises in TARGET.
Level Two Skills Integration Training – 3 days
In this workshop participating staff continue to move through a process of knowledge and skills acquisition, skill refinement and validation, skill integration, and mastery. Our goal is to develop a way of thinking about services that emphasizes and models a strengths-based, gender-specific and culturally competent approach to trauma-informed care. Using the FREEDOM steps, participants review the concepts and practice applying skills in small groups with direct feedback from the trainer(s). This workshop focuses on using the TARGET skills in a program-specific and individualized way to support fidelity, integrity, and skillful counseling and case management in the delivery of TARGET.
Materials
Advanced Trauma Solutions (ATS) will provide training manuals and materials and will grant a license to use copyrighted TARGET materials with youth and adults for a designated period. ATS has developed training manuals, client handouts, visual aids, posters, and other tools to support the rollout of the TARGET program. These materials are designed to engage clients in treatment and assist group and individual treatment providers to guide participants through the FREEDOM steps. Written in simple language and organized session by session, these materials provide step by step instruction, discussion guides, scripts, and activities to make individual and group sessions interesting and engaging learning experiences
Phase III: Quality Assurance
DVDs of TARGET sessions are reviewed by the TARGET consultant and specially trained fidelity monitors to insure fidelity to the model. Staff will receive direct feedback from the TARGET consultant about their progress in conducting TARGET with fidelity to the model and quality of the therapeutic relationship.
Ongoing coaching and consultation is at the heart of implementing a TARGET recovery program. Consultation groups for clinicians, case managers, and direct care staff will be scheduled to meet weekly or bi-weekly by phone, in person, or through web conferencing. These sessions will provide: case discussion; sharing clinical successes and challenges; guidance on adapting TARGET for special populations; learning to use TARGET terminology in group and individual work and in the milieu; discussion of group dynamics; ways to therapeutically manage client behavior; reinforcing the use of TARGET skills both in group and in the program milieu; applying the FREEDOM steps and other key TARGET concepts; problem-solving and enhanced teamwork; de-escalation techniques
Phase IV: Follow-up Site Visits
Additional training is provided on-site based on specific program needs. This can include observation of TARGET groups, discussion with clinical staff, skills-building, updates on current research findings, and training on pre-determined topics.
Phase V: Outcomes Measurement/Monitoring Consultation (Optional)
ATS offers the option of expert consultation to assist organizations in designing an efficient and informative protocol for measuring and monitoring the outcomes associated with implementing TARGET. Dr. Ford will work with the organization's QA, program evaluation, or research staff to develop and troubleshoot an outcomes measurement/monitoring protocol. The service may include:
- Strategies for utilizing existing data currently collected by the organization for quality improvement and program evaluation
- Guidance in selecting specific validated measures of traumatic stress, PTSD, complex PTSD, and resilience to an existing screening or evaluation protocol
- Assistance with developing a formal evaluation design and plan for statistical analyses
Assisting in the preparation of a template for periodic reports or publications describing key findings concerning outcomes and critical ingredients or mechanisms involved in these outcomes
Additional Services
WebTARGET : The ATS team will electronically deliver new research findings and TARGET materials, such as handouts, teaching tools and tips, creative activities and exercises, and film modules to keep staff current and informed.
|
Advanced Trauma Solutions is the sole licensed distributor of the TARGET treatment model for the treatment of stress disorders. ATS provides an intensive training and consultation program for agencies that are interested in implementing TARGET for youth, adults, and families by providing: