Together We Can

About this project

<p>A child is a person with a developing psyche who may often be faced with different types of violence – psychological, emotional or physical violence, peer and cyber-bullying, intimidation, discrimination, sexual harassment or neglect. Violence suffered by children affects the development of their personality and elicits early symptoms: post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, any of which can grow into serious negative consequences such as depression, addictions, destructive thoughts, delinquent behaviour, etc. &nbsp;There is a lack of adequate assistance for Lithuanian children who experienced violence. There is limited professional psychological services in the Lithuania's outlying municipalities, there is a stigma along with financial barriers when seeking out professional help.<br> The goal of the project is to reduce early symptoms that occur after an experience of violence or trauma for 1st-12th grade students by implementing an evidence-based CBITS (Cognitive Intervention for Trauma in Schools) and Bounce Back programs. CBITS and Bounce Back are effective (science-based), quick to implement (10 group sessions and 3-5 individual sessions), easily accessible (free of charge, implemented in schools), comprehensive (they include work with the child's environment: parents/caregivers, teachers), reliable (developed by academic researchers in the USA, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, successufully adapted in USA, Japan, Australia). During the project:<br> - CBITS and Bounce Back will be adapted in small and medium sized cities of Lithuania; at least 80 school psychologists and socio-educational instructors will be trained to implement programs;<br> - children who experienced traumas and show early symptoms will be identified;<br> - children with early symptoms will get professional help free of charge. Their parents/caregivers, teachers will get help too.</p>