Monday, October 31, 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

Bonding and Attachment in Maltreated Children

So many times the children we advocate for have issues forming attachments due to their chaotic environment, neglect and abuse. To help you understand why this happens and how they can be helped I have posted a link to a very well written article.

Below is an excerpt from the article written by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.

What is bonding?
Simply stated, bonding is the process of forming an attachment. Just as bonding is the term used when gluing one object to another, bonding is using our emotional glue to become connected to another. Bonding, therefore, involves a set of behaviors that will help lead to an emotional connection (attachment).


Are bonding and attachment genetic?
The biological capacity to bond and form attachments is most certainly genetically determined. The drive to survive is basic in all species. Infants are defenseless and must depend upon a caregiving adult for survival. It is in the context of this primary dependence, and the maternal response to this dependence, that a relationship develops. This attachment is crucial for survival.

An emotionally and physically healthy mother will be drawn to her infant - she will feel a physical longing to smell, cuddle, rock, coo and gaze at her infant. In turn the infant will respond with snuggling, babbling, smiling, sucking and clinging. In most cases, the mother's behaviors bring pleasure, soothing and nourishment to the infant and the infant's behaviors bring pleasure and satisfaction to the mother. This reciprocal positive feedback loop, this maternal-infant dance, is where attachment develops.

Therefore, despite the genetic potential for bonding and attachment, it is the nature, quantity, pattern and intensity of early life experiences that express that genetic potential. Without predictable, responsive, nurturing and sensory-enriched caregiving, the infant's potential for normal bonding and attachments will be unrealized. The brain systems responsible for healthy emotional relationships will not develop in an optimal way without the right kinds of experiences at the right times of life.


Follow the link below to read the article in it's entirety.
Bonding and Attachment in Maltreated Children


Have a great day :-)

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Book List from National CASA

The National CASA Association offers a book list to help improve and inspire your service to children. Program Services and Communications staffs teamed up to bring you this annotated list of more than 100 books, organized by topic.

I am an avid reader so this list was exciting to see. You will receive 3 training hours, towards your required 12 hours per year, for reading a book. This is only allowed once per year. That is not to say you couldn't read every book on the list. Winter is on it's way. Perfect snowy day activity. Curl up with a good book and a steaming cup of cocoa! Ok, I apologize, no one wants to thank about snow just yet! Don't forget you can check the Crawfordsville Public Library to see if they have any of these books on their shelves.

I hope each of you have a wonderful week. Happy Reading!

Click on the link below to view the book list.

Nation CASA Booklist



Wednesday, October 19, 2011

20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew

A few years ago I ran across a book that I found so informative. It is entitled "20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew". I am the mother of two adopted children and the birth mother of a son that I surrendered for adoption in 1976 and have been reunited with. You can imagine how this book spoke to me. As I was reading I asked my kids, who are now adults, if they felt the things I was reading were true. They all replied yes.

I only wish that I had this book as I was raising my children. This is a must read for anyone going through the adoption process. We tend to think that if we give a child a better life, and love them with all our hearts they will never have a problem growing up. After reading this book I realize my mistake in thinking like that.

Of course my kids are about the best kids on earth, but I do see areas I could have handled differently and where they have issues to this day as a result of being adopted or being surrendered for adoption.

Below you will find some quotes from the book.

"Birthdays may be difficult for me."

"I want you to take the initiative in opening conversations about my birth family."

"When I act out my fears in obnoxious ways, please hang in there with me."

"I am afraid you will abandon me."

As a CASA we have the opportunity to educate pre-adoptive families. Please suggest Adoptive Parents read this book. Their kids will thank you!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Swearing in the 8 new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers

The Honorable Judge Harry Siamas swears in 8 new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers at the CASA mock trial on Wednesday, October 12.  Those completing the training include (l-r):  Christie Leonard, Jessica Moore, Terri Griffin, Shari Lovold, Berta Chopite, Erica Greene, Dena McClamroch and Randy Deneau.  The Youth Service Bureau would like to thank these individuals for their commitment and dedication to CASA.