Description
Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) is a brief (5-8 session), evidence-based early intervention for children 7 to 18 years old and young children ages 3 6 that reduces traumatic stress reactions and the onset of PTSD. CFTSI is implemented within 30-45 days following a traumatic event or the disclosure of physical or sexual abuse. CFTSI is used successfully with children with extensive trauma histories. In addition, CFTSI can act as a seamless introduction to longer-term treatment and other mental health interventions when necessary.
CFTSI is completed by conducting individual meetings with the caretaker and the child before holding family therapy sessions. Each session is one hour in length for a total of 5-8 weeks. Families are taught coping skills and are asked to keep a log of progress each week. CFTSI has materials available in English and Spanish.
Improve screening and identification of children impacted by traumatic stress; Reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms; Enhance emotional support through increased caregiver-child communication; Teach/practice coping skills to reduce trauma reactions; Identify and address concrete external stressors (such as safety, legal issues, medical care); Assess child’s need for longer-term treatment
