The Multicultural Play Therapy Center at UNC Charlotte is honored to present The Circle of Security as a Map for Healing Interactions in Play Therapy Dr. Bill Whelan January 25, 2013

Dr. Whelan, Co-Director of the Mary D. Ainsworth Child-Parent Attachment Clinic, works with families who are having emotional/behavioral (relationship-based) problems with their children due to developmental disorders, family stress, or loss and trauma.

Target audience: Professional counselors, school counselors, social workers, psychologists, mental health professionals, experienced play therapists, and students interested in play therapy (special rates for students!).

Information about the conference and registration is available at: http://education.uncc.edu/oeo/events/circle-security-map-healing-interactions-play-therapy

Please visit our new Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/UNCCPlayTherapy

Continuing Education: You will receive 6 CEUs for the conference (APT Approved Provider #07-191; NBCC Approved Provider #4208). The Department of Social Work will provide 6 CEU's for Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

Overview: Learn ways to apply a concrete and evidence-based attachment framework, the Circle of Security, in moment-to-moment playroom interactions to promote healing and security in children who have experienced loss or trauma. This 6-hour workshop will include slides and graphics of the Circle of Security, and video review of children's interaction patterns. Attendees will participate in review of video interactions to identify children's needs and concrete treatment goals and strategies in play therapy using the Circle of Security as a Map.

Questions: Please contact Dr. Phyllis Post at ppost@uncc.edu

Updated: January 08, 2013

"Zfive: A Community of Support for the Social and Emotional Health of Young Children" feature article by John L. Ellis, PhD, Director, Mecklenburg County Children's Developmental Services

There is increasing awareness in both the professional and lay community about the important role early development plays in health and wellness, not just during the period of childhood, but also throughout a person's lifespan. New scientific evidence from multiple fields, including neuroscience, biology, genetics and the behavioral and social sciences, confirms brain development occurs at an explosive rate during the first three years of life. Read more...

Updated: January 03, 2013

ZFive will be presenting the research and model for one of its initiatives at the 2013 National Smart Start Conference this spring in Greensboro.

ZFive will be presenting the research and model for one of its initiatives at the 2013 National Smart Start Conference this spring in Greensboro. Assessing Young Abused and Neglected Children: An Interagency Collaboration will feature ZFive's cross-agency partnership that co-locates licensed mental health clinicians and case coordinators with Mecklenburg's Youth and Family Services social workers in each geo-district. Early outcome data show the positive impact on young children who have experienced abuse or neglect. For conference details visit -    http://www.smartstart.org/conference/.

Updated: January 02, 2013

Download SAMHSA New Community Action Guide To Support Infants and Young Children

	Download New Community Action Guide To Support Infants and Young Children Supporting Infants, Toddlers, and Families Impacted by Caregiver Mental Health Problems, Substance Abuse, and Trauma: A Community Action Guide presents resources that service providers, advocates, and practitioners can use to better understand and respond to young children whose caregivers are negatively affected by these issues. The Guide offers information, resources, and tips useful for engaging the wider community to come together for children and families in need of support. The Guide is outlined in five sections: Section 1 focuses on the importance of early development for children from birth to age 5. Section 2 looks at the newest research on how toxic stress can harm brain development. Section 3 emphasizes building a sturdy foundation for young children with family and the surrounding community. Section 4 outlines a six-step roadmap for action. Section 5 provides resources and references to help you move forward. The problems facing families today are complex. Fortunately, small changes can have big impacts. Working togetherconnecting community resources and groupsenables us all to work more efficiently to help families benefit from resources that are coordinated and responsive to their needs. This Guide is meant to serve as a resource in support of this improved approach. Download Supporting Infants, Toddlers, and Families Impacted by Caregiver Mental Health Problems, Substance Abuse, and Trauma: A Community Action Guide View These Related Resources A Training Guide for the Early Childhood Services Community: Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders Having Trouble Coping? With Help Comes Hope. Suicide Warning Signs: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Wallet Card Helping Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Traumatic Events

Updated: November 14, 2012

ZFive marks its fifth anniversary in 2012.

ZFive marks its fifth anniversary in 2012 and would like to pause long enough to take stock of where it's been and where it's going. Read more...

Updated: May 21, 2012

"Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Children 0 to 5: Evidence-Based Programs" was completed for ZFive in March 2012.

Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Children 0 to 5: Evidence-Based Programs was completedfor ZFive in March 2012 by Meredith K. Ledford, MPP & Laura Y. Clark, M.A. of the Larry King Center of the Council for Children's Rights.    Click here for report.

For more information on the Council for Children's Rights: VISIT WEBSITE

Updated: May 21, 2012