CFTSI (Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention)

HELP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST

The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) is an effective method for meeting the needs of children who are suffering from exposure to abuse, violence, or other traumatic events.

Developed at the Yale Child Study Center, CFTSI is a structured yet flexible evidence-based early intervention model for youth 7 years old and older. An adaptation is also available for children ages 3-6. CFTSI is used within 45 days of a traumatic event or after the recent disclosure of physical or sexual abuse. The goal is to:

• Improve screening and initial assessment of children impacted by traumatic stress
• Reduce traumatic stress symptoms
• Increase communication between child and parent
• Assess the child’s need for longer-term treatment
• Provide skills to help child and caregiver cope with trauma reactions

CFTSI has been shown to reduce traumatic stress symptoms and prevent the onset of PTSD.

CHDI is working with DCF and the model developers at Yale University to disseminate CFTSI to behavioral health providers in Connecticut, as part of the CONCEPT grant. Seven agencies have been trained in CFTSI:

• Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Center for Youth and Families (Torrington)
• Child and Family Guidance Services (Bridgeport)
• Community Health Resources (Manchester)
• Day Kimball Health Services (Putnam)
• Family and Children’s Aid (Danbury)
• United Services (Columbia)

Contact us to learn more about CFTSI.

Jason Lang - Vice President for Mental Health Initiatives jalang@uchc.edu 860-679-1550