Treatment Approach

We have a diverse range of programs and services, each rooted in trauma-informed care and individually designed for the unique needs of the children and families we serve. Learn more about the foundation of our approach below.

Treatment Approach

Trauma Informed Care

At UMFS, we understand that trauma can impact children, teens, and families in a number of ways, which is why we utilize a trauma-informed approach in all of our programs. Once we’ve identified the root-causes of a person’s trauma, we’re then able to recommend processes and services that will best help young people and their families on their path to healing.

Our approach is holistic: We strive to recognize the many different signs and symptoms of trauma, and we integrate that knowledge into or policies, procedures, and practices. We carry out our work with compassion, and we do so with great care so as not to further traumatize the children, teens, and families we serve.

Skill Not Will

At UMFS, we practice Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), a trauma-informed and evidence-based approach that focuses on addressing root causes of challenging behaviors. CPS teaches us that people do well if they can, and therefore it’s a person’s lack of skill and not their lack of will that prevents them from succeeding.

When young people are having a hard time achieving goals, it’s because something is getting in the way. By utilizing CPS, we’re able to identify and overcome obstacles. UMFS employs staff who are certified CPS trainers through Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Therapeutic Options of VA (TOVA)

Therapeutic Options is an approach that supports staff in increasing their knowledge about the brain, reason behind behaviors, intervention strategies and importance of safety for all while working directly with the kids and families. Therapeutic Options helps support staff in their approach to youth by reminding them to look beyond the behaviors and anticipate challenges the youth might face. For youth enrolled in Child & Family Healing Center and Charterhouse school Therapeutic Options™ provides staff with an array of effective physical intervention skills that are designed to (1) prevent injury to staff and people receiving services, and (2) preserve the helping alliance. All the physical skills have been extensively field tested and proven to be both safe and effective. Staff are trained annually and provided with refresher courses twice a year to keep skills and information fresh in their minds.

Circle of Courage

We meet our children’s developmental growth needs by using the Circle of Courage. The Circle of Courage is a philosophy that integrates contemporary developmental research, the heritage of early youth pioneers, and Native American philosophies of child care. This model promotes positive youth development based on the principal that there are four universal growth needs important to a childs’ emotional stability and psychological development: Generosity, Belonging, Independence and Mastery.