By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – The Louisiana Christian University School of Social Work hosted a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® workshop, March 9-10, at Granberry Conference Center and welcomed social workers, law enforcement, judges, probation officers and teachers who work with children and families.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention is an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the complex needs of children and families who have experienced adversity, trauma or disrupted attachment. Developed at Texas Christian University by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TBRI is built on decades of research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development.
Katherine Jennings, Families in Need of Services, director for the Ninth Judicial District Court, served as the workshop coordinator. Speakers addressed understanding how trauma affects the developing brain and behavior and the importance of connection before correction in building lasting change. They also offered practical strategies that professionals can implement immediately in schools, court systems, foster care and community programs.
“Children and families involved in child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and community services often have histories of trauma that impact behavior, learning, and relationships,” Jennings said. “Traditional discipline models frequently fail to address the root causes of those behaviors.”
A workshop like this is needed, she said, because it equips professionals with practical, research-based tools to respond to trauma in ways that promote healing rather than escalation. It shifts the mindset from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”—which is essential in today’s social service, judicial and educational systems.
“Our School of Social Work is pleased to partner with the 9th JDC to facilitate professionals widening their knowledge base and to have so many wonderful individuals on our beautiful campus,” said Dean of the LCU School of Social Work Dr. Juanita Moorman. “The School of Social Work hopes to host future events focused on evidence-based models and is grateful for the support of the other departments on campus that have been beyond instrumental in this endeavor.”
LCU President Mark Johnson said the university was honored to welcome so many dedicated professionals to our campus for this important Trust-Based Relational Intervention workshop.
“When social workers, educators, law enforcement, judges and community leaders gather with a shared purpose, it reflects something powerful, the collective commitment of a community that refuses to give up on its children and families,” he said. “We believe in the dignity and value of every person. Many of the children and families served by those attending this workshop have experienced deep adversity, but they also carry tremendous potential.
“When professionals are equipped with evidence-based tools and a heart for restoration, real change becomes possible. Louisiana Christian University is proud to be a place where these kinds of conversations, partnerships and solutions can take root. Together, we are helping build stronger families, healthier communities, and a more hopeful future.”
