Nov 13

Was Jesus’ ministry “trauma-informed?” [part 4]: Responding to trauma within the compassionate Kingdom of God

There is a movement taking shape across the country when it comes to ministry settings: becoming trauma-informed. I am personally invested in this movement and I am intrigued by the ways I see connections between Jesus’ teachings and trauma-informed ministry principles. In the first post in the series, I focused only the first identifier of a trauma-informed ministry: the realization of the widespread impact of trauma and potential paths for recovery. In the second and third posts, I examined how Jesus recognized the signs and symptoms of trauma in those he not only interacted with, but then became followers themselves of his life and teachings.

As a reminder of the full context of this point within the larger definition of “trauma-informed” practices, I will repeat the framework that is guiding this series. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the concept of a trauma-informed approach would mean that “a program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed:

  1. Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery;
  2. Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system;
  3. Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and
  4. Seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.”

A trauma-informed approach to ministry starts with the realization of the widespread impact of trauma. Certainly, if a church or ministry is not aware or is in denial of the problem posed by adversity in childhood, toxic stress, and the effects of trauma on whose they minister too, it cannot properly address potential paths for recovery and healing. Secondly, churches and faith-communities seeking to be trauma-informed will be constantly growing in their ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in those they minister to.

Jesus knew the tremendous brokenness of the world, and he knew the power of the Kingdom of Heaven to address the needs of people traumatized by the evil of this world and the effect of sin. Jesus’ understanding of the fundamental failings of most human systems is clear in his critiques of both the religious establishment of his day, as well as the Roman political and military complex. But rather than just point out the failings of the system, Jesus suggested that a new system could be put in place that would result in the justice, equity, and safety that a trauma-informed society would want to emulate.old_fireplace_mantelpiece_-_annunciation_cathedral_toronto

Therefore, while a whole thesis or multiple books could be written on this subject, I want to address the third way in which I observe that Jesus’ ministry was trauma-informed: Jesus sought to respond to the hurt and damage that trauma had caused in the world by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into an alternative way of social organization- a “Kingdom of Heaven.” This present and future kingdom would be governed by policies, procedures, and practices that would reflect the principles of a trauma-informed organization.

These principles are:

  • Safety: physically and psychologically
  • Trustworthiness and transparency that builds trust and maintains compassionate connection
  • Peer support and mutual self-help
  • Collaboration and community that results in a levelling of power differences between those served and those serving
  • Providing opportunities for voice and meaningful choice
  • Individuality and uniqueness is honored—each one an individual, not a project or a category
  • Raises and addresses cultural, historical, and gender issues

For this first foray into the topic of Jesus forming a trauma-informed alternative to existing “kingdoms” in his day, I’ll attempt to focus my thoughts by looking at one passage of particular importance: Jesus’ interaction with Pilate in John 18:33-37,

33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”(John 18:33-37, NIV)

Pilate, the fifth prefect of the province of Judaea, embodies the military and political might of the Roman Empire. He is familiar with the way that Rome governs—imposing “peace” through overwhelming military strength. Pilate, by nature of his position, was also familiar with the other significant rule in place over Judaea, the religious ruling and governing class represented by the Chief Priest, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin—70 men who formed a supreme council, or court, in ancient Israel. These were the two main “kingdoms” in place that Jesus posed a threat to.

When questioned about his position in regards to these kingdoms, Jesus tells Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (verse 36). Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he has focused on what the kingdom is or what is like. Here, before the Roman authority, Jesus focuses on how the Kingdom of God differs: it will not use force or intimidation. It is a Kingdom that speaks on behalf of truth and truthfulness, and those who recognize that truth listen and respond in kind. Absent is any form of coercion, physical or spiritual.

Jesus represented a compassionate, not a coercive, call to align with a new and alternative “kingdom.” This principle of non-violence in the face of oppression was as radical then as it is today. Jesus understood that any peace enforced by the threat of violence would never provide the sense of safety and security the human soul longs for. Jesus is completely transparent and trustworthy, a leader of integrity that guides his followers by his example and willingness to sacrifice position and power to place himself in the role of servant and messenger of the truth. In this way, Jesus serves as the ultimate example of one who created a community where power was shared equality and equitably. Jesus gave a voice to those without a voice—the marginalized and the overlooked. His desire to build an inclusive and accepting community placed him in the crosshairs of the religious elite, those who would label him a “friend of sinners” (Matthew 11:19). Jesus raised cultural, historical and gender issues that still reverberate through the church two thousand years later!

One may argue how well the Church exhibits the qualities of the compassionate Kingdom of God that Jesus ushered in with his ministry, but that fault lies with us—Jesus’ followers—and not with his teaching or personal example. In future posts, I hope to example a few of Jesus’ specific teachings on the compassionate Kingdom of God for further evidence that Jesus intends for that Kingdom—embodied by the Church—to be trauma-informed.

 

© Chaplain Chris Haughee, 2016

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Nov 10

A message for Veteran’s Day from one of our children

patriotic-thank-you
“Thank you for helping Intermountain. It’s helping kids. God bless you.” -an Intermountain child.

As we remember those who have served in our armed forces this Veteran’s Day, Intermountain and the Chaplain’s Department wants all our supporters–but especially veterans–to know that we recognize ALL the sacrifices you have made to make a better future for the children and families we serve! Our children in residential care, as well as the many children Intermountain serves through its community based services, are working hard for freedom from shame, negative self-image, substance abuse, and darkness in their past.

It’s a difficult work, but they are doing it with God’s help and the care of parents, foster parents, case workers, therapists, counselors, and more. We are free to do this work because we live in a country that values and fights for all its citizens to experience “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

 

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

 

Just as our veterans have been willing to lay down their lives and sacrifice their comforts in order to fight for the freedoms all Americans enjoy, we at Intermountain endeavor to sacrifice what we must in order to redeem the hearts, minds, and souls of children. As God has blessed us and blessed America, we are working together to make that blessing a reality for EVERY child in our midst.

Thank you,

Chaplain Chris Haughee

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Nov 08

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association supports the chapel effort!

eddie-george-reads-poem

Eddie George reads his original poem, “Intermountain’s Common Place”

At the invitation of Doris Davis, an Intermountain volunteer, Chaplain Chris spoke November 8th to Helena’s local NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees) Association at their monthly luncheon, hosted by Plymouth Congregational Church. Many of the retirees had known of Intermountain’s work, but appreciated getting a better picture of the scope of services and the number of children served.

The lunch was a wonderful turkey dinner prepared by the various members of the group, and a number of members commented and shared stories of times they had interacted with Intermountain’s services and children in the past. Of course, many knew the Children’s Home as “the Deac’,” and were unaware of the chaplain’s ministry and the expanded community services in the Helena area as well as the Flathead.

An especially touching moment was shared between the group and chaplain Chris when group member and accomplished poet, Eddie George, shared an original poem he had written. The poem was entitled “Intermountain’s Common Place,” and was inspired by the effort to build Van Orsdel Commons, a permanent home on the Helena campus for chapel services and spiritual care of the children in residence. The poem appears here with his permission:

 

“Intermountain’s Common Place” by Eddie George; October 15, 2016

To rest the body and feed the soul

In a place of peace, that would be our goal.

To let the body be quite still,

Give peace to the mind to receive God’s will.

Build a place of Commons, we think is best

Where a child can find some peace and rest

To open their mind to God’s teaching way

To fill their heart with the joy of each day.

We think the cost would be quite small

For the peace to be found in Intermountain’s Common Hall.

Please help us raise this small amount

To bring peace and comfort to the children who count.

doris

Doris Davis explains to the group various ways she is hoping the group can raise money for the chapel project

 poem-by-eddie-george

Those who wish to give to the chapel project can do so here:

HELP BUILD VAN ORSDEL COMMONS!

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Nov 01

“Days of Awe: Looking inward, taking account” by Janet Tatz, Jewish Educator

[note: this article first appeared in the print and online edition of the Helena Independent Record on Saturday, October 15, 2016]

I have just returned home after spending 25 hours in Butte, at the historic B’nai Israel synagogue. I was celebrating Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish year. This day is filled with communal prayer, fasting and contemplation.Janet-Tatz-2015

It is a “bookend” to Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, that preceded Yom Kippur by 10 days. Indeed, the entire month of Elul, which precedes the current month of Tishrei, is a lead-up and preparation for these most holy and soul-searching days.

I have long felt that autumn — with its colorful foliage, dramatic change of weather, back-to-school-agenda and fall harvest — was the perfect time to welcome and acknowledge a New Year. The seasons and our routines are changing. It is a fitting time to look inward and take account of how we have lived our lives, acted in relationship to others and worked toward making the world a better place. It is not enough to just attend synagogue on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Much preparation is in order, and so each day of Elul provides an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, to give an honest assessment of how we have taken to heart the promises and good intentions that we set forth for ourselves the previous year. It is a tradition to sound the shofar, a ram’s horn, each morning during the month of Elul. For those who adhere to this practice, a wake-up call is clearly heard.

As Laurie Franklin, spiritual leader of Har Shalom (Mountain of Peace) in Missoula recently taught, it is a powerful statement that one of the Jewish morning prayers begins, “My G-d, the soul you have placed in me is pure.” It expresses the belief that we are fundamentally holy. But alas, as the rest of the day unfolds, we make choices that are good or, perhaps, not so good. As days, weeks and months pass, the holy spark within us shines less brightly, dulled by the accumulation of our very human mistakes.

And that is where Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur come in. With great wisdom, Torah and sages of Judaism gave us a path back to our higher selves. That path is called “tshuvah” (CHOO-vah) which means “return.” It is a renewal of spirit, a repairing of relationships between people, G-d and the earth. This isn’t easy. It is difficult to admit we have “missed the mark,” gone astray, not lived up to our highest ideals. It is not easy to say, “I am sorry,” to ask forgiveness and make amends. And, of course, it is not enough to simply apologize for a wrong that needs righting. The true test of one’s sincerity is that, when presented with the same temptation that led us astray in the past, we resist that path. Actions truly speak louder than words.

Rather than confess our transgressions and missteps individually, on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, the congregation rises as one to proclaim where we have “missed the mark.” We speak as one voice as we ask forgiveness for such sins as: distorting facts to fit our theories, turning a deaf ear to the cry of the oppressed, using violence to bring about change, appeasing aggressors, indifference, poisoning the air and polluting land and sea. Together, we ask G-d to forgive us, pardon us and grant us atonement.

The list goes on and on and is repeated several times throughout the day: For the sin we have committed against You by malicious gossip, gluttony, narrow-mindedness, hating without cause, fraud and falsehood, arrogance, insolence, hypocrisy, exploiting the weak … You get the idea. In so many ways, try as we might, we have not lived up to our better selves. Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur serve as an annual “reset” to help us try once again to live up to the high ideals and values we hold most dear.

One prayer, that I especially love, and that is recited not only at this most holy time of year, but can be heard in synagogues around the world each week, as we celebrate the Sabbath, a time for setting aside our busy work days and allowing for a time of “being instead of doing” rings true each time I hear the words: Grant us peace, Your most precious gift, and give us the will to proclaim its message to all peoples of the earth. Bless our country, that it may always be a stronghold of peace, and its advocate among the nations. May contentment reign within its borders, health and happiness within its homes. Strengthen the bonds of friendship among the inhabitants of all lands. Teach us to labor for righteousness and inscribe us in the Book of life, blessing and peace.

May it be so.

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Oct 20

One girl’s mask – from a lesson at chapel

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”

–1 Samuel 16:7

Every October, I have an excellent opportunity to talk with the kids in chapel about the masks we wear and how God sees through it all and sees who we are underneath the façade. The lesson usually goes something like this…

“One night every year in America, people encourage each other to put on masks and costumes and go around looking for candy by knocking on doors! Do you know what this night is called? Right…

On one side, the mask reads: (fake) happy, perfect, excited. On the other: suicidal, sad, mad, hurt

On one side, the mask reads: (fake) happy, perfect, excited. On the other: suicidal, sad, mad, hurt

Halloween!

These costumes and masks are a lot of fun. Maybe a little mischief gets thrown in… something gets ‘egged’ or a house is adorned with toilet paper. But, for the most part, these ‘tricks’ are accepted as part of the tradition associated with October 31st every year.

Now, take those same behaviors and those same masks and costumes and try wearing them around town a month later, you will receive a VERY different reaction. In fact, some people have gotten in trouble this fall for wearing clown costumes and trying to scare people. It usually ends up badly for everyone when a mask is worn at a time that is not appropriate. Here are some examples…

Besides Halloween, there are many reasons people wear masks:

  • So they can ‘get away with’ doing something they wouldn’t normally do
  • To hide who they really are
  • To be a part of the crowd… if everyone else is wearing a mask
  • For protection… from the cold, from germs, and other things

Okay… now that your imagination is engaged, it is time to switch gears a bit. Think about your heart rather than your face! How do we put ‘masks’ on our hearts? I am convinced that we wear masks on our hearts for the same reasons we wear masks on our faces!

What can start out as something we wear for protection, or to blend in with others, or to hide who we really are… well, those masks can become so comfortable that we never want to take them off.”

Then, we break from our discussion and the children take some time to draw out the masks that they see themselves wearing. One girl really used this lesson as an opportunity to open up and share some of what was going on for her beneath the surface. Her picture is used above… notice how one side of the mask shows her outward appearance: excited, perfect, and (fake) happy. But, amazingly, she trusted us to see what was going on just below the surface: feeling hurt, mad, sad, and suicidal.

Part of the work we do in chapel every week is to address the truths of God and God’s Word and how they can give our children the courage to step out from behind the masks and into who God says they are: wonderful, amazing, and capable children of God—with the right to be loved and to love in appropriate and affirming ways. Thankfully, this young lady was in a place where she could get the support she needed to handle the big feelings she had underneath her mask. She was able to hear clearly that God sees past the mask and sees our hearts. He knows our fear, our hurt, our sadness, our shame…

AND GOD LOVES US. HE LOVES US. NO MATTER WHAT. ALWAYS. FOREVER.

GOD…. LOVES…. YOU!

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Oct 11

Trauma-Informed Ministry Training and Workshop a success!

Last month, twenty clergy and other caregivers attended the Trauma-Informed Ministry Training and Workshop, presented by Intermountain Chaplain Chris Haughee and ACE Master Trainer Brie Oliver. ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences and Chaplain Chris and Ms. Oliver taught the group about the importance of caring for children with ACEs in a way that does not re-traumatize them.

ACE Master Training, Brie Oliver, explains the affect of ACEs

ACE Master Training, Brie Oliver, explains the affect of ACEs

A panel discussion included Intermountain therapists Mike Kalous and Terri Murray and asked questions like, “What does a ‘trauma-informed’ ministry look like? and “What does it mean for a faith community once they ‘get’ ACEs?”

Ms. Oliver also discussed the ways in which childhood trauma can affect a child’s brain and lifetime health outlook and the ways in which resiliency factors (i.e. having resilient parents, building social connections, and more) can help reduce the effects of ACEs.

Chaplain Chris outlined the “Ten Things your Faith Community Should Know about the Kid with ACEs,” including that the traumatized are biologically wired to worry and that a person doesn’t have to “know it all” to be able to help a child in need.

Members of Helena's Salvation Army add to the discussion

Members of Helena’s Salvation Army add to the discussion

Chaplain Chris also presented the concept of the trauma-informed approach outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. There are six key principles to this approach: safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment, voice, and choice; and cultural, historical, and gender issues.

The training concluded with an opportunity to put all the new knowledge gained throughout the day into practice, editing a lesson outline and building a sample outreach opportunity to community children by designing an after-school children’s group shaped by trauma-informed principles. The groups did a fantastic job explaining why certain choices were made for activities, games, and the Bible lesson based on accommodations needed for a specific child profile and scenario they were given.

Those in attendance expressed interest in seeing additional trainings occur in Helena and throughout Montana. If this is something you or your faith community would consider, please contact Chaplain Chris or Intermountain’s Development team at 406-442-7940.

Discussion continued over lunch and was very lively!

Discussion continued over lunch and was very lively!

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Oct 05

Please consider Change for Children this Christmas!

Once again, I would like to make available to you and your church free Advent children’s object lessons! While written primarily for a Children’s Sermon format, these object lessons could be used in a Sunday school setting, youth group, or even as sermon illustrations! None of the lessons are dependent on Change for Children (CFC) CFC-logoparticipation, because we would like them to simply be a gift to you. If you choose to dovetail CFC into these lessons, it’s as simple as contacting us and requesting our prayer cards or setting a goal of numbers of cans returned by Christmas!

Click here for: CFC 2016 Children’s Sermon Packet

In my twenty years in children and youth ministry, the object lessons I have used for children’s sermon times have been a very effective way of communicating the truth of God’s Word.  Many of the adults in the congregation would tell me they preferred my children’s sermons to my “regular” sermons!  Jesus taught in object lessons and word pictures, too, so it should be no surprise to us that this method is highly effective—surely Jesus knew what he was doing and set an example for us to follow!

These lessons have been carefully crafted around the stories of the Advent season (Revised Common Lectionary, Year A) and how the message of God’s love for us in Jesus impacts our hearts and lives. I hope this resource blesses you, saves you time in preparation, and makes your workload a little lighter. It is my hope that our relationship will truly be a partnership of mutual benefit. As Intermountain’s Chaplain, I want to be a resource to you and an encouragement in your work with children and families. The children’s sermons can be found on the “Resource” page, as well as examples from previous years, should those object lessons fit better with what you are planning.

So, enjoy these lessons, and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you and build a stronger relationship between the chaplain’s ministry at Intermountain and the good work you are doing in your church and community.

Chaplain Chris Haughee

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Sep 18

Advocating for Rachel, part 3 – guest contributor, Crystal Amundson

(In this final post in the series, we see where Rachel is after the first nine years of her life. She is a survivor, but she’ll need a lot of help going forward. In case you missed the earlier posts, please go back to the first post, and learn just how much this young lady has been through. Once again, the bulleted points in the article suggest where interventions could have been made by the faith community that would have helped Rachel. Please consider your calling to the “Rachels” in your midst. Thank you, Chaplain Chris Haughee)

 

Through the tumult of the previous four years, Rachel and her sister moved into the third home and stayed there for a little over a year while her mom completed the requirements with social services needed to regain custody.  Rachel’s dad never followed through with his substance abuse treatment and a permanent order of protection was filed with the court.  Rachel & her siblings moved back in with her mom on her 6th birthday, and she was relieved that the singing and cake were forgotten in the hustle of paperwork and belongings and goodbyes.

Rachel was glad to be back with her mom, but wary of her ability to parent. Over the last four years, Rachel had been the most consistent person in her baby sister’s life.  Now that they were back with mom, Rachel would frequently fake illness to stay out of school and be home with her sister.  While Rachel’s mom wanted the best for her kids, she struggled with depression.  When she worked, she struggled to find safe childcare.  When she quit, she felt overwhelmed by financial burdens.  She isolated from others.  Stopped answering the phone when the school called about her son’s behavior concerns.

Her mother let Rachel take care of the cooking and cleaning. While the arrangement had its problems, it kept Rachel busy enough to avoid the anger, confusion, and fear that had built up over the last five years.  Rachel could keep it all bottled up—except around her birthday.  Then, the memories of mean daddy and restaurant police visits made the feelings too big to ignore.

By Glen Edelson from ATLANTA, USA (Birthday cake) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Glen Edelson from ATLANTA, USA (Birthday cake) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

On her 8th birthday, Rachel’s teacher lead the class in a round of “Happy Birthday.” Rachel began to scream at the top of her lungs, begging them to stop.  Confused, the well-meaning teacher stepped in to contain Rachel’s flailing and screaming and got an elbow to her face for her trouble. Sent to the principal’s office, Rachel refused to talk and remained silent for the next two hours.  During those two hours, the staff started to talk to each other about the girl who had flown under the radar.  Rachel wasn’t a behavior concern.  But she had no friends.  She didn’t make eye contact with adults.  She snuck food from the garbage during lunch. No one saw this outburst coming because no one really saw Rachel.  Rachel had become skilled at hiding her pain and trauma, and an overburdened school system cooperated in Rachel’s avoidance. What would have made the difference?

  • Write letters of affirmation to staff at neighborhood schools. The courage needed to advocate for a hurting child comes from the encouragement you feel from the community around you. Be that support system for the teachers and staff at your community schools.
  • Stay informed about voter initiatives and upcoming elections that will impact school facilities and resources. When basic needs are met, staff are more able to focus on the “under the radar” kids. Support school board members and administrators that want to join you in becoming “trauma informed.”

 

Instead of calling home, the staff called in the school-based therapist. And while Rachel didn’t talk the rest of the day, she did play.  She sat in the therapy office, diapering and feeding and cuddling the baby dolls.  The therapist didn’t talk either, but she did create space for Rachel to feel just brave enough to return to school the next day.  Rachel went home and told her mom about the baby dolls.  Her mom listened, and agreed to get Rachel on the waiting list for therapy.  That was a year ago.  Three months ago, Rachel finally started therapy.  It has taken so long for Rachel to start getting the type of help that will really bring healing to her deep hurts. What might have enabled Rachel to get that help sooner?

  • Locally, there are significant shortages of mental health therapists. Encourage social service careers within the members of your congregation by hosting volunteer and job shadowing opportunities with youth groups.
  • Support existing social service professionals by focusing mission opportunities on collecting supplies (therapeutic games or movies) or sponsoring activities (like summer camp).

Today, Rachel turns nine and still hates her birthday. But hopefully, by working hard in therapy, she’ll begin to understand why.  She will learn what it means to battle Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how to feel her anger and worry and sadness without being consumed by them.  Her mom will work in family therapy to learn about parenting an angry, worried, and sad kid instead of a perfect, quiet, sneaky kid.  The ending to Rachel’s story isn’t a happily ever after.  But it is an opportunity.  For her and for each of us.

 

crystal-242x300Note: Crystal Amundson LCPC, RPT-S runs a private practice in Helena, Montana, where she works as a child play therapist.  Crystal specializes in Play Therapy, working with children ages 2-12, alongside their caregivers. She is a previous employee and current board member at Intermountain.  Her passion and expertise is in the field of early childhood mental health.

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Sep 06

Advocating for Rachel, part 2 – guest contributor, Crystal Amundson

(In a previous post, we met Rachel and followed the first part of her journey. In this second installment, we will continue to look at Rachel as a case study and interject ways in which faith communities can reach out to these precious children that are slipping through the cracks. There is a great deal that the church can and should do to “stand in the gap” for those that are most vulnerable in our social service and mental health systems. God is calling us to do more than assume the State or some governmental agency will take care of our children. Think about how strongly you would advocate for these children were they your own children and grandchildren! Thank you, Chaplain Chris Haughee)

Rachel and her siblings were placed in foster care, alongside 1,800 other Montana children. Her brother was six, she was four, and her sister was not quite two.  Her parents were given a court ordered treatment plan to address their substance abuse and mental health needs.  Rachel remained in foster care for two years.  During this time, she had 3 different caseworkers.  Each time the worker changed, phone calls went unreturned, court deadlines were delayed, and a bit more of Rachel’s story was lost.  How could the faith community have helped Rachel while she was brand new “in the system?”

  • Learn about challenges facing Child Protective Services and current legislation to address training andcasa_v_redblue_JPG financial shortfalls.

While waiting for a decision to be made about her future, Rachel lived in 3 different foster homes. She was in her first foster home for 2 months before her dad showed up one night in the yard.  He was clearly intoxicated or high on drugs and was threatening to kill the family for “stealing his kids.”  Rachel was immediately placed in a new foster home, and stayed there for 9 months before the foster family moved out of state.  Her third foster home only had room for Rachel and her younger sister.  Her brother was placed in a group home.  How might have the church made a difference for Rachel and her siblings during these tumultuous years?

  • Promote opportunities for foster family training by offering your space to local agencies and posting fliers about local trainings. Even existing foster parents are often unaware of training available and find themselves unequipped and overwhelmed by the children in their home.
  • Create dedicated bible studies or small groups for adults who are foster parenting or raising extended family members (kinship care). It can be a very isolating experience and safe communities are crucial.

We’ll continue to learn more about Rachel’s story and what we can all do to help children at risk in following posts. If you are anxious to get started educating yourself and your faith community about ACEs, click here for some ideas Chaplain Chris has come up with!

 

crystal-242x300Note: Crystal Amundson LCPC, RPT-S runs a private practice in Helena, Montana, where she works as a child play therapist.  Crystal specializes in Play Therapy, working with children ages 2-12, alongside their caregivers. She is a previous employee and current board member at Intermountain.  Her passion and expertise is in the field of early childhood mental health.

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Sep 01

Sign up for the Resilience Fall Summit in Helena!

Resilience-Church-Leader AppealEverything is NOT fine, despite what people in our churches may be telling each other during the coffee social following worship! Montana’s children, youth, and families are in trouble, and we have the ability to do something about it!

In an effort to pull together the tremendous resources our faith communities possess, I’ll be facilitating a conversation at ChildWise’s Fall Conference in Helena on Resilience, September 29th and 30th. Our “faith-based breakout” will be one of many offering that will challenge you as well as encourage you to address the greatest public health crisis our state and nation faces. My hope is that dozens of congregations from across Montana could be represented, and their involvement would start a much-needed conversation in their churches, synagogues, and fellowships.

I am excited to share this time with Kimberly Konkel, MSW, who has worked in the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington D.C. for the better part of two decades. Kim has been the assistant director of the Partnership with Faith-based communities and has a wealth of knowledge about how God is using congregations and faith communities across the country to effect social change and are living out the prayer, “Thy Kingdom Come, on earth as it is in heaven!”

So, do whatever you need to do to get to Helena for this conference! At $185 for two days (lunch included on the first day!), this conference would be an excellent use of continuing education funds for your pastor, a personal investment in your missions and outreach team, or a way to encourage your youth and children’s ministry to be better equipped for ministry.

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