Addressing Children's Exposure to Violence in a Short-Term Crisis Intervention Program

This paper describes the Home-Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI) program in New York and the effects that exposure to violence had on 36 participating children (ages 5-18), the training counselors received on violence issues, and strategies used as a result of efforts to address the effect of violence. The HBCI program provides short-term intensive in-home services to families with children who are at-risk of out-of-home placements. The intervention focuses on family strengths and needs, using a multifaceted approach that includes skills building, counseling, and the provision of concrete services. Of the 36 children, 87 percent reported witnessing someone being beaten up, 26 percent knew someone who was robbed, 23 percent knew someone who had been stabbed, and 31 percent knew someone who was shot at. Twenty-nine percent felt unsafe at school and 19 percent felt unsafe at home. Interventions included conducting a safety analysis of the home, implementing plans to reduce risks of dangers, promotion of future-oriented activities, and promotion of family activities. A case study is presented demonstrating how violence was interwoven in the life of one child. (CR)