A Learned Solution (PALS) - Helping Children Heal from Violence and Trauma
A Learned Solution is a therapeutic program for children and their families who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence. AVANZAR recognizes that children in homes affected by domestic violence can be severely impacted – both those who have been abused and those who have seen abuse occur. The PALS program seeks to help children achieve better mental and emotional health through multifaceted, age-appropriate creative arts therapies.
This important program, as well as the other services that AVANZAR provides, are supported by your generous contributions. Donate today to help more children heal with PALS.
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PALS
PALS is part of a statewide network of similar programs of therapeutic services. This program is always free of charge and open to children and non-offending parents or adults in their lives. Services are also available for adults who have experienced violence through AVANZAR’s domestic violence services program.
AVANZAR PALS Programs
How Can I Get Involved with PALS?
Families can participate in the PALS program through both self and professional referrals. To set up an initial appointment and receive further information on PALS, please call (609) 601-9925, ext. 1012. You will speak to a PALS case manager who will assist you in determining the services that are right for your children and family.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs PALS?
Children are unique individuals. This means they express their pain and react to the ways in which they have been hurt by domestic violence in different ways. However, one commonality is that many children impacted by violence in the home feel a loss of control and sense of powerlessness.
Some children may become socially withdrawn with both friends and relatives. They may have trouble sleeping, experience emotional outbursts, or have difficulty with schoolwork, even in subjects they may normally excel in. Other children may exhibit other types of changes in demeanor or behavior, or none at all – but all children who have been abused or witnessed violence are in need of care and support.
What is Creative Art Therapy?
Creative art therapy is a form of psychological treatment that incorporates one or more forms of visual or performing art. Art therapy, for example, utilizes painting, drawing, sculpting, and other methods of creating artwork as a process of working through emotions, increasing self-awareness, and developing coping mechanisms and other skills. Meanwhile, music therapy draws on listening, songwriting, and performance to promote psychological healing through the universal language of music.
Dance and movement therapy helps achieve emotional and bodily awareness using the intuitive and nonverbal power of expressive motion. Play therapy employs roleplaying and other forms of games and play to develop communication and problem-solving skills, express feelings, and increase behavioral control and agency. Children in PALS may take part in any or all of these therapies, depending on their needs.
Who is Eligible for PALS?
Any children aged 3 to 17 who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence are eligible, as well as any non-offending parents. Parents who were the perpetrators of the violence are not eligible for services through PALS, as the focus of the program is processing the trauma experienced. To be eligible for PALS, families cannot be currently living or in a relationship with the offending adult.
How Can PALS Help My Family?
One of the most important aspects of PALS is a focus on your family’s healing and inner strength. This program aims to guide both children and adults as they recover from domestic violence. Our case managers can also provide other forms of assistance for families enrolled in PALS, such as connections to legal services, financial literacy information, insurance referrals, and more.
What Other Services Are Available Through PALS?
AVANZAR is able to provide transportation for eligible families to and from PALS sessions, and support groups for non offending parents of children participating in the PALS Program.
How Do I Refer a Client to PALS?
If you would like additional information or you are seeking to refer a client, please contact us at (609) 601-9925, ext. 1012.
How Can I Request a PALS Program Presentation at My School or Workplace?
Please email the program coordinator at pals@acwc.org or call (609) 601-9925 ext. 1012 to request information or a presentation.
Contact Us for More Information
To begin receiving help or learn more about any of our programs or services listed above, get in touch with us online now. If you are in immediate need of assistance, please contact our 24-hour hotline: 1-800-286-4184.
