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Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS awarded ‘Trauma-Aware Residential Treatment Facility’ designation

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania’s Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) center was recently awarded the “Trauma-Aware Residential Treatment Facility” (TARTF) designation by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS).

According to OMHSAS, the designation signifies that Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS “recognizes the need for ongoing assessment, planning and implementation of trauma-informed care principles and activities.”

“We are thrilled and honored to receive this designation,” said Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS Executive Director Patricia Hillis-Clark, Psy.D. “Many of the children and adolescents we serve have experienced a significant amount of trauma in their young lives. We are committed to helping these individuals recover from past trauma and acquire the skills needed to achieve success in their homes, schools and communities.” 

Meeting a child’s unique needs

To receive the TARTF designation, Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS staff conducted a self-audit, examining trauma awareness at the center’s psychiatric residential treatment facility.

Team members demonstrated they are implementing plans and/or achieving goals in areas related to the following trauma-informed practices:

• Building a commitment to trauma-informed care into the mission and/or strategic goals of the organization
• Ensuring all residential treatment facility leaders are trained in trauma awareness
• Developing treatment plans that are individualized, safe and developmentally appropriate
• Engaging family and youth in the treatment planning, intervention and discharge planning processes 

“Traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on individuals, as well as their families,” explained Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS Senior Clinical Director Kristen Bielecki, Ph.D. “Trauma awareness in the treatment process means that families can rest assured knowing their child will be treated with compassion, dignity and respect in a safe and supportive environment, and that we will work to understand each individual’s unique experiences, strengths and needs. We use evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help youth on their journey of healing and recovery.” 

Learn more about Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Behavioral Health Services, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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