Healing And Recovery After Trauma (HART)

Target Audience: Youths, Families, and Youth-Serving Professionals Impacted by Violence

Subject Matter: Promoting reslience in individuals impacted by violence, providing professional education and training about the impact of violence/trauma on youths

Project Content: Community-Based Family Program Professional Development Courses

This project addresses the needs of children and families whose lives have been disrupted by violent crime. Specifically, HART targets youths who have been either the direct victims of a violent crime, who have witnessed violence against signficant others, or who have family/friends who have been victims of homicide or violent crimes. Education and training is also provided to parents and service providers who must manage their own and their children's reactions to violent events.

The structured activities that comprise this program's curriculum aim to (1) increase awareness abou the effects of violence victimization and tramatic loss on youth and their families and (2) provide participants with coping strategies to prevent, reduce, or manage maladaptive responses to violence victimization. HART also involves skills training wherein parents and service providers learn techniques to enhance youth's coping efforts.

When and if further professional assistance is warranted on a case-by-case basis, project staff facilitate access to applicable services.

HART initially was developed with funding support made available by the Violence Institutes of New Jersey at UMDNJ. Recent support from the New Jersey Division of Addictions has allowed for an adaptation of HART to meet the needs of individuals impacted by the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Office of Prevention Services & Research
Fax: (732) 235-9266 * E-mail: opsr@cmhc.umdnj.edu
1-800-762-2989/732-235-9260