Safety, Mentoring, Advocacy, Recovery, and Treatment (SMART)

Safety, Mentoring, Advocacy, Recovery, and Treatment (SMART)

The S.M.A.R.T. model is a structured, phased- based approach to treatment for sexually abused children who are exhibiting sexual behavior problems. The model consists of three clinically essential phases: Safety & Stabilization, Trauma Integration & Recovery, and Re-Socialization & Mastery. Each phase contains content modules that must be mastered in order to move to the next phase of treatment. Each module includes specific activities and interventions and provides indicators of mastery to inform and guide clinical practice. Care giver involvement is mandatory and a combination of individual, family, and group therapy services are provided and tailored to meet the individualized needs of the child and family.

The primary objectives of the model are: 1) to eliminate the sexual behavior problem; 2) to establish stability and a sense of safety in the lives of children; 3) to improve insight, judgment, and empathy; 4) increase awareness of personal risk patterns and triggers; 5) to develop coping skills and strategies that improve emotional and behavioral regulation; 6) to provide parents with the skills to meet their children's physical/emotional needs; and 7) Increasing children's connectedness to positive others and building internal objects that support future growth.

Betsy Offermann, LCSW-C

Kennedy Krieger Institute

offermann@kennedykrieger.org

(443) 923-5907