title: The CASA Trauma and Attachment Group (TAG) Program for Children who have Attachment Issues Following Early Developmental Trauma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is relatively little research about effective therapeutic approaches for children in middle childhood who have attachment related diagnoses as a result of experiencing significant, early developmental trauma. This study describes findings from an intensive, dyad-based intervention, aimed at stabilizing attachment relationships with primary caregivers, increasing caregiver reflective function skills, and reducing children's trauma-related behavioural sequelae.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed retrospective data from 51 caregiver/child dyads who participated in the Trauma and Attachment Group (TAG) Program from September 2011-December 2014. This data included pre- and post-intervention scores retrieved from the Parenting Relationship Questionnaire (PRQ), the Parent Report of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PROPS), and the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ-1).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The preliminary findings show statistically significant improvements in attachment, communication, discipline practices, involvement, and relational frustration. Additionally there were statistically significant improvements in parental reflective functioning, and a trend towards a reduction in symptoms typical of post-traumatic stress disorder.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Poor quality or inconsistent interactions with early caregivers can lead to life-long impairments in physical and mental health. This intensive program shows potential as a way to improve longer-term outcomes for children exposed to early developmental trauma. Longer-term research is required to further substantiate outcomes, appraise cost analysis, as well as to consider evaluation with appropriate comparison groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
authors.forename: Chandra K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Ashton
authors.affiliation: CASA Child, Adolescent, and Family Mental Health, Edmonton, Alberta.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: O'Brien-Langer
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Silverstone
keywords: attachment; developmental trauma; dyadic intervention; group intervention; intervention; trauma-informed care