by Elizabeth Greller, M.A., LPCC
Children and adolescents who have experienced abuse (physical, sexual and/or neglect) and/or traumatic events (examples – parent death, witness to domestic violence, parent addiction, separation from a parent, scary/painful medical treatment, etc) have additional needs than children and adolescents who have not experienced such life events.
This is especially important during this unpredictable time.
They often experience symptoms and triggers of anxiety, panic and emotional dysregulation that their same-age peers do not. It is important that their emotional and physical health needs be met on a daily basis, but it is especially important during this unpredictable time.
Children and adolescents who have experienced abuse and/or traumatic events often need higher levels of consistency in their daily schedules and routines, emotional support from parents/caregivers, consistency with behavioral expectations, and sense of safety in their environment. Due to the stay at home order and social distancing regulations related to COVID-19, children and adolescents have experienced numerous sudden and drastic changes in their daily schedules, routines and activities, which might increase the level of their needs.
For children and adolescents who live in the home with a parent, caregiver or loved one who is a perpetrator of such abuse/traumatic events it is even more important that they have a sense of safety and know who they can contact if they need help or feel unsafe.
For children and adolescents who live in the home with a parent, caregiver or loved one who is a perpetrator of abuse it is even more important that they have a sense of safety and know who they can contact if they need help or feel unsafe.
Family members and loved ones who reside in the home can help create a safe environment and work to meet their needs as listed above. Family members and loved ones who do not reside in the home can help these children and adolescents by having frequent contact (phone or video calls) with them to provide emotional support and open communication and educate them on who to contact if they need help or feel unsafe. All family members and loved ones can, and should, contact the proper authorities if they suspect or know of any child/adolescent abuse or traumatic events that occur. The authorities to contact are the local police department or childrenās services hotline for the county where the child/adolescent resides.
Hamilton County Childrenās Services – 513-241-KIDS (5437)
Warren County Childrenās Services – 513- 695-1546 (after 4:30 pm hotline 513-695-1600)
Clermont County Childrenās Services – 513-732-STOP or 513-732-7173
Hope Restored Counseling Services is currently accepting new clients. We are able to provide in-office and telehealth sessions at this time. If you or a loved one are in need of behavioral and/or emotional support please contact us at 513-683-4673.
About Elizabeth Greller
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor (PCC), and I earned my Masters in Community Counseling from Xavier University. I have over 6 years of experience in the mental health field working with children, adolescents and families. I have experience with adoption readiness/post adoption difficulties, attachment issues, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as grief and loss for children, adolescents and adults.
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