Connecticut Elementary Schools Are Finding Success Using Bounce Back
Schools can play an important role in helping children recover from traumatic stress; trauma exposure is common among school-aged children. While many children exposed to potentially traumatic events will recover with the support of caregivers and natural supports alone, others experience ongoing behavioral health challenges, including traumatic stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and difficulties developing healthy relationships.
Exposure to trauma can also have a profound impact on school functioning, with such children being at greater risk for a variety of concerns including discipline referrals, suspensions, absences, grade retention, and lower academic achievement.
The elementary adaptation of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), Bounce Back, has been shown to reduce PTSD, depression symptoms, and psychosocial dysfunction in children who have experienced trauma. Bounce Back is for students in grades K-5.
In this issue brief, learn how Bounce Back, a free evidence-based trauma intervention, is helping Connecticut elementary schools support students affected by trauma exposure. The brief highlights strong outcomes from schools already implementing the program and offers recommendations for scaling and sustaining the program across the state.
To learn more about CBITS or Bounce Back, contact Senior Project Coordinator II, Alice Kraiza, MPH.