CD-CP is a trauma response program that works to 1) reduce the consequences of children's exposure to violence, and 2) increase community capacity to reduce the risk of violence. A partnership of the Baltimore Police Department, the Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, the Office of the Mayor of Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Social Services, and the communities of Baltimore, CD-CP's multi-faceted approach uses: - Crisis Response Teams that provide a rapid response to children and youth exposed to violence as victims, witnesses, or perpetrators – often avoiding retaliation
- Professionals who provide education/training for police, mental health workers, program administrators, community leaders, families, and trained volunteers (Fellows)
- Cross-training that strengthens collaboration among professionals and community residents
- Staff and Fellows assist communities in preventing future violence by developing a strong proactive approach
For more information about: Problems Addressed
Trauma Response Program
Training and Education
Community Outreach
Fellows Training Application
Helping Children Who Witness Violence.
Contact person:
Desiree' Glover
410.614.3969 The Problem Research has shown that acute and chronic exposure to such pervasive violence places children at high-risk for a variety of emotional and behavioral problems, such as poor academic performance, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, inadequate socialization and development. Children who are victims or witnesses of violence are likely to exhibit one or more of the following behaviors: fear; worried about being safe, aggression toward others, depression, sleeplessness, mental disorders, lowered self-esteem, withdrawal, poor school performance; difficulty paying attention, suicidal tendencies, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), use of violence and carrying a weapon. (Many children use violence to protect themselves against the belief that “if you are not a predator, you are the prey, and its is a whole lot better being a predator.”) Equally important is the fact that exposure to violence has been found to predict current and future aggression, and to perpetuate subsequent violence. There is evidence that chronic exposure to violence may lead to “desensitization to violence” in children. Evidence suggests that for many children involvement in aggression and violence as early as age 3 or 4 sets a life course for later violence and criminal activity. Parents living with violence often communicate helplessness and hopelessness and are, therefore, unable to help their children feel safe. Police officers are usually the first professionals on the scene when a violent act occurs. These first contacts with “authority” after a violent event will help shape the child’s reactions and attitudes toward the officer, toward the event, and toward violence in general. Traditional police training does not address children’s reaction to trauma. Consequently, police officers may not recognize their potential impact on children in such situations, particularly in instances where force is used. Even when officers are sensitive to child development issues, police training does not include information that directs an age-appropriate response to the child’s distress. As a consequence, the actions of police may be seen by children as harmful and in themselves violent, and in turn contribute to resulting long term negative attitudes and behaviors towards authority figures in general and police particular and may set the stage for the behaviors noted above, including increased likelihood of violence.
Community members' efforts to decrease violence in their neighborhoods and to respond to the needs of their children when they are the victims of violence tend to be isolated, very informal, and limited in scope. Communities cannot access the full array of supports necessary to help deal with these complex issues because the formal support system, such as mental health, schools, and social services, is often not involved until the child’s behavior becomes disruptive, or self destructive. By that time the child has had several years of exposure to chronic violence, which compounded with other risk factors, make the child’s prognosis poor. back to top Trauma Response Program Trauma Response is the core function of CD-CP. Rapid, flexible response to children (victims, witnesses, or perpetrators) exposed to violence is key to success. A call-for-service by a police officer initiates the action of the Crisis Response Team, composed of a police officer, mental health clinician, and community Fellows. As the Team works to decrease its response time, it increases the likelihood of a making a first contact and engaging the family. Short-term crisis intervention affords the child and family the opportunity to discuss their experience, express their feelings and concerns, and ask questions. It affords the clinician the opportunity to assess the child’s needs and assist the family in obtaining the necessary services. In the majority of cases clinicians refer the child for ongoing counseling and support services to such agencies as the East Baltimore Mental Health Partnership School-Based Program and Family Resource Coordination Unit, the SuccessBy6 HEBNorth and HEBSouth Partnerships, the Family Bereavement Center, the Men’s Center, the Casey Family Center, Kennedy Krieger Family Center, Recreation Centers, Community Conferencing, and the Community Mediation Program. In numerous cases clinicians have been able to address precipitating factors and prevent retaliation. back to top Training and Education In addition to group presentations to agencies, community programs, and community groups, CD-CP training includes: Three-Day Fellows Cross-Trainings in which community residents, mental health professionals, and police learn both theory and skills including such topics as the impact of violence on child development and how to provide joint crisis trauma response. Information and Application for Fellows Training One-Day Workshop, although tailored to each specific audience, always focuses on the need for, goals of, and utilization of CD-CP. Participants range from residents and “natural helpers” to professional and paraprofessional service providers. CD-CP Fellows are community members who complete the training and are ready to participate on Crisis Response Teams. Fellows who have completed the training serve as co-facilitators in future trainings. back to top Community Outreach CD-CP outreach activities engage community residents in both proactive and reactive responses to violence by drawing on the leadership, resources, expertise, and volunteerism of the community. Whenever possible, outreach efforts are community-led and co-sponsored and/or hosted by local community organizations. Community Forums provide adults and youth with an opportunity to discuss their concerns about violence, to learn about the impact of violence on children, and to plan and support efforts to prevent violence in the community. back to top |
