Therapeutic team support treats children with emotional problems causing disruptive behavior. Behavioral specialists supervise support staff who follow individual treatment plans and provide emotional support to parents. The team incorporates the child’s educational plan into the behavioral plan and documents progress.
Therapeutic team support refers to workers who work as a team to treat a child with serious emotional problems that lead to inappropriate behavior. These children may act disruptively at school, at home, or in public areas. Support professionals on the therapeutic team follow individual treatment plans developed by other mental health specialists to intervene and change the child’s negative actions. It is considered intensive therapy for children with severe emotional stress.
Behavioral specialists typically supervise work performed by support staff, including directly observing interactions with the troubled child. The specialist usually evaluates emotional problems and situations that trigger unwanted behaviors. He or she can find out what motivates the youth to misbehave at home, at school, or in the community. The therapeutic support of the team carries out the treatment plan developed by the behavior specialist, working individually with the child.
Support staff can respond in a crisis situation to defuse an emotional outburst. The therapeutic support team uses techniques to calm the child, working in collaboration with the family and school staff. If a child’s behavior is considered dangerous, passive restraint mechanisms may be employed. Support workers often provide emotional support to the child’s parents to help them cope.
A team made up of doctors, social workers, school staff and family can practice techniques such as role-playing and behavior modification methods. Therapy team support staff focus on helping the child identify inappropriate actions and teaching ways to change negative behavior. The support team can plan activities to create more structure in the young person’s life as part of their treatment.
The support team usually documents all events and follows the child’s progress. They usually attend meetings with other professionals or agencies to discuss the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Most therapeutic team support staff have degrees in human services or a related field. Experience working for the juvenile justice system or a public health agency dedicated to children may be required.
Staff employed by schools may deal with children diagnosed with learning difficulties. These children may have trouble learning due to behavioral issues. Support staff typically educate other school staff about the child’s treatment plan, which may include encouraging participation in school activities. Support from the therapeutic team usually incorporates the child’s educational plan into the behavioral plan.
These support workers may accompany a child to daycare, school, or social activities. They are available to intervene immediately when unacceptable behavior occurs and use each situation as a teaching tool. Intervention may include showing the child a better way to deal with frustration without erupting into anger or inappropriate actions.
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