Teaming Against Trauma

DCAC therapists, Rob Bullard and Rachael Staats, reply to a caregiver's question, “ How Do I Respond If My Child Discloses Abuse?” Although it is a daunting question we'd rather think we'll never need to answer, with the reality of child abuse statistics, this is a question more caregivers may need answers on than we wish was true. The good news is studies have found a child having a supporting & believing caregiver is the number one indicator of their success in healing from child abuse or trauma. Whether you are a caregiver who has walked through this in the past, are currently, or anyone caring for a child, this episode will equip you with prevention-based and response-based communication skills to navigate answers to, “How Do I Respond If My Child Discloses Abuse?” Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

On this episode of the Teaming Against Trauma podcast our host, Brooke Anderson, shares about prevention strategies for you to prepare your children to live the safest and healthiest lives possible. Prevention is the ultimate goal when it comes to child abuse. The knowledge Brooke shares will help parents, caregivers, aunts, uncles, teachers, and anyone who interacts with children to prepare well for preventing abuse and harm. While it is our responsibility as adults to protect children, we can do that by sharing  knowledge with them, but first we must equip ourselves. Learn more about what DCAC is doing to equip our community during Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month this April and how you can join us!Citations and resources include:Prevent Child Abuse AmericaMama Bear EffectDarkness to LightProject PinwheelCenter for Disease Control and PreventionLove Is RespectMonique Burr FoundationBook Recommendation: My Body is Special and Private by Adrianne SimeoneMammaBearEffect.orgSign up for our April 25th Community Awareness Luncheon: https://dorchesterchildren.org/events/community-awareness-luncheons/Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

DCAC has partnered with South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN) for many years to ensure quality care for the clients we serve. Jessica Goodwin, SCVAN’s Faith Based Victim Service Program Coordinator, shares about initiatives they are taking with victim service providers around the state, specifically with the faith community as well as tackling teen dating violence (TDV). With a heart to equip South Carolina to care well for victims of various crimes and trauma, Jessica gives us up-to-date information that will enhance our resources for the good of those unjustly affected by trauma.Don’t forget February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month! Together we can learn more about TDV and access resources so we are prepared to protect teens in our community.Learn more about SCVAN’s Leap of Love Teen Dating Violence Event (Feb. 15th) here: https://www.scvan.org/leapofloveSCVAN Faith Based Victim Service Program: https://www.scvan.org/faithLove is Respect: loveisrespect.orgDCAC Newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/mVT4NfeQuestions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and in honor of January being Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we brought our very own experts onto the podcast to share! Nicole Hoffman and Allyson Morin are CSEC Coordinators (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) at DCAC. On this episode they talk about what human trafficking is, what is looks like locally, how DCAC and our MDT partners are responding, and most importantly for you- what you can do about it! We need you on our team to stop Human Trafficking, so don't miss out on this important episode. Educate yourself and share your knowledge with those around you this month with through these reliable and recommended resources:DCAC's website- Education & Resources-Human Trafficking National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888)Polaris ProjectLove146Tri-County Human Trafficking Task ForceSouth Carolina Human Trafficking Task ForceNational Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)With questions about human trafficking, reach out directly to Nicole or Allyson: Nicole's email: nhoffman@dorchestercac.orgAllyson's email: amorin@dorchestercac.orgQuestions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

Ana Black is one of three Victim Advocates at DCAC. Victim advocates have a critical role in the CAC model as they are often families' main and sometimes only resource of support during their time of crisis. The victim advocate’s role embodies what DCAC believes every child and family needs, as Ana puts it, “walking to the family in order to walk with them.” Learning more about what victim advocates do will give you insight into the heart of the CAC model and help you better support people in our community experiencing crisis. Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

Revered Carrie Nettles is a Chaplain and Victim Service Provider at the Julie Valentine Children’s Advocacy Center in Greenville, SC. As the first ever Chaplain to work at a CAC in the US, Carrie has led the way for spirituality to be a component offered at CACs for the overall healing for clients we serve. For many survivors of abuse, spirituality plays a major role in their healing journey. Carrie graciously shares her experience in caring for the spiritual needs of CAC clients and how her role as a Chaplain places her in the gap between bridging the mental health and faith communities.Carrie is also our KeyNote Speaker for our Second Annual Faith Leaders Breakfast on November 14th. See the link to register below if you are a faith leader or pass it along to one you know!Resource Recommendations:GRACE: https://www.netgrace.org/Zero Abuse Project, “Keeping Faith”: https://www.zeroabuseproject.org/keeping-faith-empowering-faith-communities-to-recognize-and-respond-to-child-abuse-neglect/Julie Valentine Center, When Faith Hurts: https://www.julievalentinecenter.org/when-faith-hurts.htmlSacred Spaces: https://www.jewishsacredspaces.org/“The Book of Forgiving”: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Forgiving-Fourfold-Healing-Ourselves/dp/0062203568“On Repentance and Repair”: https://www.amazon.com/Repentance-Repair-Making-Amends-Unapologetic/dp/0807010510“The Body Keeps the Score”: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+body+keeps+the+score.&hvadid=634406856852&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010538&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12470922663205985034&hvtargid=kwd-1410515536440&hydadcr=16287_13513581&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_5ek6ubwo3v_eWhat Happened to You? https://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-You-Understanding-Resilience/dp/1250223180“The Spiritual Child”: https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Child-Parenting-Lifelong-Thriving/dp/1250033837Carrie’s Email: cnettles@julievalentinecenter.orgFaith Leaders Breakfast Registration:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/711460616857?aff=oddtdtcreatorQuestions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest public health studies ever conducted on childhood trauma and the correlation of health and well-being later on in life. It proved, with scientific evidence, that adversity early in life increases physical, mental, and behavioral health problems later in life. Brooke Anderson, Director of Prevention & Outreach at DCAC and host of the Teaming Against Trauma Podcast, is an ACE Master Trainer. She explains how the ACE study's conclusions on neurodevelopment of children who experience high levels of trauma could effect the rest of their lives. Touching on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), she encourages us saying, “You don’t need to have letters behind your name to make a great impact on a child's life.” Giving practical tips we can do to combat ACEs in our everyday lives, it is true that understanding ACEs is critical in caring well for ourselves, family, friends, and our community at large. Leave a star rating and review to let us know what you learned in this episode of Teaming Against Trauma Podcast!Learn more about ACEs:DCAC- Education & Resources- Adverse Childhood ExperiencesSC Children’s Trust- Providing Resources- Adverse Childhood ExperiencesTest your ACE ScoreRequest an ACE Training by DCAC or email Brooke Anderson at banderson@dorchestercac.orgBook Recommendations:The Body Keeps The Score -Bessel van der KolkChildhood Disrupted - Donna Jackson NakazawaThe Deepest Well - Nadine Burke HarrisHillbilly Elegy - J. D. VanceThe Orchid and the Dandelion - W. Thomas BoyceThe Whole Brain Child - Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne BrysonQuestions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

“Trauma-informed” is a term that is gaining more attention in various fields of work. So what does it mean when it comes to therapy? DCAC Clinical Director, Millicent Fowler, and Assistant Director, Rob Bullard, share about trauma-informed therapy and how DCAC utilizes trauma-focused models to meet our clients' needs. Specializing in childhood trauma, DCAC recognizes the importance of educating the public on how trauma affects children and their families as well as how they can heal from it. We believe using the gold standards of evidence-based trauma-focused therapies, healing is possible. Millicent and Rob live in the midst of this difficult, but hope-filled reality with children and families in our community every day. The complexities of trauma make it difficult to discuss in a short period of time so please know that this conversation is just merely scratching the surface of this topic. If you or someone you know has further questions about trauma and trauma-informed therapy, please call us at 843-875-1551 or email treatment@dorchestercac.org. Visit our website to learn more about the therapy services we offer: https://dorchesterchildren.org/services/therapy-individual-group/Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

Arthenius Jackson Colvin is the perfect survivor to end our Summer of Survivors mini series with. Arthenius uses her voice to pierce through the darkness of her own story and now the stories of many others. If you listen to the episode you'll even get to hear one of the songs she's written, Butterfly, about how she is now the butterfly she was created to be. Arthenius wants everyone to know that healing, growth, and freedom is possible for them too! You can listen to Arthenius every other Tuesday evening on Blog Talk Radio where she is featured on the Purpose Kingdom Network. Follow along with what is happening at her Nonprofit One Touch Transformation on Facebook that focuses on sexual abuse awareness, prevention and healing. Check out RAINN.org for more resources on preventing child sexual abuse.Local Resources for Survivors of Childhood TraumaDorchester Children’s Advocacy Center (843) 875-1551DeeNorton Children’s Advocacy Center (843) 723-3600SC Department of Mental Health (843) 364-2774 Medical University of South Carolina (843) 792-2300Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

Brad Jayne is a well known Filmmaker and Commercial Director local to the Lowcountry. He is passionate about storytelling and in this episode Brad courageously shares about his own story of healing through childhood trauma. Inspired by his experience, Brad is currently working on a project called, “The Purpose of Winter”, to shed light on the important issue of childhood sexual abuse. Expectant of the impact this film will make, Brad shares how the vison for it came to be and how you could get involved.  For more information on this project or to contact Brad directly, see the links below.Contact Brad:  brad@bradjayne.comVisit: www.bradjayne.comMore on The Purpose of Winter: http://www.bradjayne.com/powaccessLocal Resources for Survivors of Childhood TraumaDorchester Children’s Advocacy Center (843) 875-1551DeeNorton Children’s Advocacy Center (843) 723-3600SC Department of Mental Health (843) 364-2774 Medical University of South Carolina (843) 792-2300Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

We're kicking off the Summer of Survivors with Lyn Maples! Lyn is currently the Outreach Coordinator at Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S, a sexual assault center in Charleston, SC. She shares her journey through experiencing childhood sexual abuse and the healing she lives in today with hopes to help others. “You’re never healed”, says Lyn, “you’re always healing.” A powerful testimony to the redemption that is possible for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, Lyn calls herself the greatest success story and she wants everyone to know that they already are too.Contact Lyn at lyn@tricountyspeaks.org  Visit tricountyspeaks.org24-hour Hotline (843)-745-0144Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterLocal Resources for Survivors of Childhood TraumaDorchester Children’s Advocacy Center (843) 875-1551DeeNorton Children’s Advocacy Center (843) 723-3600SC Department of Mental Health (843) 364-2774 Medical University of South Carolina (843) 792-2300Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

Two of DCAC's trauma-focused therapists/forensic interviewers, Rachael Staats and Taylor Conroy, sit down with Brooke to talk about all things mental health. As professionals in the field, they share about how we care for our clients at the CAC and awaken us to the importance of getting help and talking about mental health. With a special feature from past DCAC therapist, Jess Reighard, they don't shy away from the tough discussions about barriers that keep people from receiving mental health  treatment. Sharing tips about recognizing signs in yourself and/or your child that it is time to reach out for help could be just what you need to take the step. This conversation will leave you feeling empowered to let go of the shame surrounding mental health and embrace hope, healing, and empowerment along the journey.Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

April 2023 is National Child Abuse Prevention Month where communities across the US rally together under the symbol of the Pinwheel- which represents the joy and happiness every child deserves. Unfortunately, we know not every child grows up this way. Child Abuse Prevention is our ultimate goal, but it can only be reached with increased education and awareness spreading across one community at a time. Brooke, Lyndsey, and Grace share what you need to know about the happenings in our community  this month as well as some education on ways you can be an advocate against child abuse every day. Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

In honor of National Disability Awareness Month, Christy Brown and Daniel Robinson from Charis Academy will join us to discuss what it's like to be on the spectrum. Christy has been a teacher at Charis Academy for 5 years. She talks to us about what she has learned from her students and how she fosters a positive learning environment tailored to each individual student. Daniel is a student at Charis, as well as the son of their headmaster, JoDee Robinson. He walks us through what it was like to grow up on the spectrum and the stigmas and misconceptions that surround autism.We also discuss what’s next with Seaglass Diagnostics. For more details on their consulting services, email seaglass.groups@gmail.com or call (843) 900-6956.Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

There is no one better to learn from than Sydney Conrad when it comes to the topic of healthy relationships. Sydney has been working at the local nonprofit, My Sisters House, for 7 years now. My Sisters House serves people in the Tri-County area who have been affected by the issue of domestic violence. Sydney has a lot of experience and wisdom to share about domestic violence and the importance of teaching youth what healthy relationships really are. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month; a month to remember that currently 1 in 3 teens in the U.S will experience some type of abuse from a dating partner.  Learning about healthy relationships and My Sisters House can help change the trajectory for future generations. My Sisters House website: https://www.mysistershouse.org/24 Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-273-4673Contact Sydney Conrad: sydney@mysistershouse.comQuestions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

Erin Hart is a Nurse Practitioner with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) working in the Child Abuse Division within the Department of Pediatrics.  She brings a wealth of knowledge on Forensic Services within the CAC Model, specifically Forensic Medicals. Diving into the important role they have in the investigative process of child abuse cases, Erin's expertise dispels common myths about forensic medicals and sheds light on the reality of what they are. Erin also shares resources available to the public including how to reach MUSC's 24/7 child abuse pediatricians or PSANE. With concerns, anyone can call MUSC's main number 843-792-2300 and ask for the PSANE to be paged.Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

DCAC Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Rob Bullard, and Berkeley County DSS Case Manager in Investigations, Katie Brunk, discuss the the fascinating world of forensic services and forensic interviews. Explaining the need for forensics and then digging into what it's like interviewing a child and watching the interview from an observation room, Rob and Katie get real about this world that the general public will never experience. Providing expert insight into navigating through cases of various traumas, their consistent desire to put the child's needs first is truly admirable. Interested in becoming a foster parent with DSS?Heartfelt Calling 1888-828-3555    Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

In this episode, Brooke talks with DCAC employees Stephanie Crane and Damita Holcomb about the commonly asked questions, "How is DCAC supported and what can I do to support DCAC?" Stephanie is the Director of Marketing and Development and Damita is the Director of Grants. Together, they bring to light the unique and various answers to these questions.  Including grants, events, campaigns, and individual donors, this other side of DCAC makes all the work we do to help children and families in our community possible. Just in time for Giving Tuesday and DCAC's Year End Giving Campaign, one big way you can support DCAC is by making a donation to us today through the link below!https://dorchesterchildren.org/support-us/year-end-donation-campaign/Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

Dr. Kay Phillips has been the Executive Director of DCAC for 18 years. She started at the center as the only staff member and now oversees 25 full-time employees.  Since she has been with the center since it's inception there is no better person to speak about the story of DCAC than Dr. Phillips. With great humility she speaks about how the center found it's roots and has evolved into everything it is doing today. You don't want to miss this inspiring conversation  with Dr. Kay Phillips!Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org

Kicking off our first ever episode- Brooke interviews DCAC's Clinical Support Director, Lyndsey Smith, to lay the foundation of "What is a CAC?"  Since CAC's started around the late 80s, the CAC Model is still relatively new to the world. Understanding the basics of the CAC Model will set us up to take a deeper dive into these specific areas later on. With many moving parts, the CAC plays a critical role in ensuring that children disclosing abuse are not further victimized by the intervention systems designed to protect them. Working with a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) of professionals CACs offer child-focused, facility-based programs with representatives from many disciplines working together to effectively investigate, prosecute, and treat child abuse.  On this episode, Brooke and Lyndsey share about why the CAC Model originated, how works in practice, and why it's been so successful around the country.Questions about the episode?Contact community@dorchestercac.orgWant to learn more about DCAC?Visit dorchesterchildren.org