Meet Niles, a spirited 5-year-old boy on a transformative journey towards healing, love, and resilience.
Niles currently resides with his great-grandma Fran, great-grandpa Joe, his aunt Maggie, and his 3-year-old brother Brighton. Their story, though filled with challenges, is a testament to the power of support and therapeutic intervention.
Niles's Story: A Tale of Resilience and Hope
Niles's life took an unexpected turn, leading him to the care of his great-grandparents and aunt. Recognizing the need for additional support, Fran, Niles's great-grandma, reached out to the Home Start Behavioral Health Intake line. Fran sought therapy services to address Niles's temper tantrums, encourage sibling bonding with Brighton, and help Niles process the domestic violence and physical abuse he experienced in his previous living situation.
Empowering Transformation: PCIT at Home Start
After the initial intake appointment, the therapist recommended Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) as the best course of treatment for Fran and Niles. PCIT aimed to decrease Niles's temper tantrums and enhance his ability to share with others.
The 1st phase of PCIT involved a behavioral observation, where the therapist assessed Fran's current play interactions with Niles. Subsequent sessions focused on teaching Fran PRIDE skills (praise, reflect, imitate, describe, and enjoy) and Don't skills (questions, commands, and negative talk). Fran incorporated these skills into daily 5-minute Special Playtime sessions with Niles.
Positive Shifts: Celebrating Progress
With consistent coaching and dedication from Fran, positive changes in Niles's behavior began to emerge. Fran reported that Niles was listening more, experiencing fewer temper tantrums, and demonstrating improved manners. The therapeutic journey became a shared experience of growth and connection for Fran and Niles.
Phase 2: Parent Directed Interaction (PDI)
The second phase, Parent Directed Interaction (PDI), focused on teaching Fran how to use direct commands and time-sequence in case Niles didn't comply. Four PDI sessions later, Fran showcased the effective use of direct commands, demonstrating the power of therapeutic guidance and parental involvement.
Your Support Matters: Join the Journey of Healing
Niles's story is just one example of the impactful work done by Home-Start Behavioral Health. Your support can be a beacon of hope for families like Niles's, providing the resources and expertise needed to navigate complex challenges.
By donating to Home Start, you contribute to creating a community where every child has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Join us in making a difference and be part of the journey towards brighter, resilient futures.
Donate today and be the catalyst for positive transformations in the lives of children like Niles.
Together, we can build a foundation of hope and healing.
Your Donation Can Help Local Families Like These
San Diego’s most vulnerable children and families depend on the generosity of supporters like you. You can make a difference in their lives by donating to Home Start. Your gift helps us continue to:
- Support our housing programs to keep our clients sheltered
- Distribute critical resources like food and hygiene items
- Provide safe therapy practices and child-abuse prevention curriculum in person and via telemedicine
Home Start needs this crucial funding now to maintain our essential services and keep our clients safe and protected. Thank you for your generous support of Home Start’s life-changing programs.
*Giving levels are ideas of what your donation could do for a San Diego family in need