The program, called Seeking Safety, consists of 25 weekly group counseling sessions that use a present-focused, evidenced-based treatment model to ease the effects of trauma and substance abuse for individuals suffering from one or both.
The Seeking Safety program, which was developed by Dr. Lisa M. Najavits, began in 1992, and has been conducted for many diverse groups in a wide variety of settings throughout the United States and the world.
Counseling sessions began in Athens in August 2012, after Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling and Integrated Services of Appalachian Ohio collaboratively responded to an Athens County Children Services proposal that sought organizations willing to implement the program as a pilot project. So, while Children Services funds the program, TCMHC and ISAO employees operate it.
Sheila Shafer, deputy director of programs at Children Services, explained that each session — all of which are conducted at TCMHC — is based on a different topic chosen from the Seeking Safety curriculum. Additionally, in between the weekly sessions, assigned case managers follow up with the participants to provide support and reinforce the program material.
"The ultimate goal ACCS (Children Services) is expecting is that parents will become more able to cope and manage their environments, which will lead to family stability and safety for children," she said.
Shafer said organizers anticipated that, ultimately, each group will have eight to 12 members. She explained that the focus for the first series of sessions is on mothers because the Seeking Safety program trainer recommended not to have mixed genders in the groups.
So far, 17 local women have been referred to the program, which is voluntary. Shafer said that most of those women are mothers who have worked or continue to work with Children Services. She explained that ACCS staff members and caseworkers extended invitations to the women whom they felt could particularly benefit from the program. As the sessions continue, she said that some participants may be added, and others may drop out.
Although the situations of participating families and individuals vary, Shafer said that some common issues they experience include poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, lack of outside support, limited parenting knowledge and mental health issues.
Because the Seeking Safety program just began, Shafer explained that a long-term impact has not yet been established. However, she said mothers who have attended the sessions have reported to Children Services staff that they enjoy the counseling sessions and find them to be helpful.
In order to determine the effectiveness of the Seeking Safety services, Shafer said that the providers are taking measurements with pre- and post-test instruments. She said that such measurements will help improve the program in the future.
"This is a pilot project, so there will be lessons learned and the program will be modified as needed," she said.
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