Children do well if they can. Staff do well if they can. If they can't, we need to figure out why so we can help. It's important to remember that not only do we need to be applying the CARE principles to our work with the kiddos and other clients, we must also apply them to our co-workers. This is a big change for many people and it's understandable that we are going to see some struggles with expectations that they apply CARE principles. We become addicted to using what we have and what we know. There's predictability and security in that. Many of us have struggled with our own changes over the years when it comes to how we provide care for others. If we apply CARE concepts to everyone we work with that also means that we are building trusting relationships with our peers. We have high expectations for our peers and we communicate that clearly with high expectation messages. We make sure that everyone feels like they are part of the team and we value their input. Most...
In the clip below, from the movie Short Term 12, staff is giving Marcus a haircut. This may seem like an ordinary thing but there is much more to this moment due to the traumatic experiences Marcus has had. Everyday occurrences become potential triggers or titanic icebergs that we may not see coming. Everyday things that we take for granted may be extremely hard for others. Staff in this movie provided an environment where Marcus felt safe and comfortable trying new things and building new skills. He was able to express himself with staff that he built solid relationships with. He was able to begin healing.