Stepping Stones: Relationships, Resiliency, and Reflective Practice

ZERO TO THREE. 1255 23rd Street NW Suite 350, Washington, DC 20037. Tel: 800-899-4301; Tel: 202-638-1144; Fax: 202-638-0851; Web site: http://zerotothree.org/

N

8

Mothers; Resilience (Psychology); Child Abuse; Homeless People; Intervention; Community Programs; Young Adults; Mental Disorders; Substance Abuse; Teamwork; Supervision; Parent Child Relationship; Coping; Stress Management; Family Relationship

0736-8038

This article describes the story of resilience of a mother who achieved multiple successes despite challenges that included child abuse and homelessness. The factors that contributed to her success included consistent support from a team of staff of the family Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Program. This agency serves mothers from 18 to 25 years old who have a mental health or substance use disorder (or both), and a history of chronic, often multigenerational homelessness. One of the team members recounts the journey they experienced together in the formal helping relationship. The authors discuss the important role of reflective supervision and how a cadre of nurturing and committed relationships created the context for resilience and growth in the face of toxic stress.

As Provided

25

2017

EJ1125769