The critical premise of this extensive course is that relationships form a child’s world, including relationships with the mother, the family, and the community. It addresses relationships in the context of “Attachment Theory” and “Styles of Attachment” and further explores the complex link between a child’s “style of attachment” and substance use.
Research indicates that while the link between a child’s attachment style and substance use is not causal, it is highly correlated and is thus a critical lens for understanding and treating substance use disorders in children. This course offers specific interventions for working with children whose relationships are disrupted as well as practical tools for providers to examine if their staff is trauma-informed and their program trauma-specific.