Reactive Attachment Disorder Resources from #NAVRAD24
I’m presenting at the Navigating Reactive Attachment Disorder (NAVRAD) conference for the third year in a row, hosted by RADAdvocates. Each time I come, my goal is to gather valuable information to share with families who couldn’t attend. This year, my focus is on highlighting the incredible resources available here as this conference is a hub of the best RAD resources.
RAD Advocates
RAD Advocates offers a variety of resources to caregivers of kids with RAD.
- Annual Navigating RAD conference which is a guided experience to assist parents in creating an actionable plan forward
- Blog and educational resources
- Support memberships ranging from group support to custom advocacy. RAD Advocates will work with your child’s IEP team, RTF team, and provide crisis support.
RAD Advocates is a trusted organization because it’s run by RAD moms who have personal experience and a passion for helping others. As an advocate I’m careful about who I send caregivers to. Most “trauma informed” organizations and service providers have no idea how to help kids with RAD. Most cause more harm than good. RAD Advocates is different. They are my go-to referral for parents. www.radadvocates.org
Lifespan Trauma Consulting
Forrest Lien LCSW is a revolutionary RAD clinician because he has living experience with thousands of families and children. Lifespan Trauma Consulting offers:
- Training and coaching for clinicians, agencies, and treatment facilities
- Developmental trauma assessments
- Expert legal testimony
Parents, myself included, rave about Forrest because he’s one of the few clinicians who “gets it” when no one else does. Every time I hear him speak I learn something new – and I marvel at his empathy and understanding of exactly what we are struggling with. The most valuable resources he offers, in my opinion, are developmental assessments and medication consultations. He can help get you on a better path by collaborating with your providers for the right services and medications.
“Treatment that pushes attachment before it’s appropriate, when the kid isn’t ready and mom is mad, only causes more trauma.”
#realtalk @ #navrad2024
Connect with Forrest at the annual #navRAD conference or through www.lifespantrauma.com
Carrie O’Toole Ministries
Carrie O’Toole Ministries specializes in the hard stuff – shame, grief, and relinquishment.
- Individual, couple, and sibling coaching
- Support groups for moms of kids with RAD
- Relinquishment retreat
“Some of you may be beyond the point of recovery.”
Carrie is a kind, trustworthy resource for RAD families offering compassion and understanding. She, and her coaches, offer moms a safe place to process, feel, and heal.
RAD Sibs
RADSibs is a community for siblings of kids with RAD.
- Sibling support groups offering connection with others and coaching
- Creative resources including a safety magnet
My biggest regret is not realizing the negative impact RAD was having on my other kids. For families in crisis, this can be especially damaging as these kids needs are not met and they are traumatized by the situation. RADSibs is an invaluable resource for siblings. I’ve met some of the RAD siblings who are building this community and cannot say enough about their passion and empathy.
“As much time as we spend helping our kid with RAD, we cannot forget our bonded kids.”
RAD Talk
Tracey Poffenroth-Prato is a certified Life and Wellness coach who is passionate about supporting RAD parents because she’s been there.
- Support Group and 1:1 coaching for RAD parents
- Annual RAD Mom Retreat
- Host of the RAD Talk podcast
I’m thrilled to personally vouch for Tracey. She’s empathetic, kind, knowledgeable – and she’s been there. There’s nothing like connecting with someone who truly understands, has gone on the healing journey, and is willing to provide you with personal support. Connect with Tracey at www.radtalkwithtracey.com
“RAD is different and unpredictable for every kid. The only thing that is predictable is you. So do it for you.”
“RAD is unpredictable. The only thing that is predictable is you, so do it for you. You don’t have to go down with the ship.”
Best Choice Admissions
Best Choice Admissions offers information on residential treatment centers, a free service to parents.
- Provides information on the best options based on the child’s needs and the family’s budget
- Paid by the programs, this service is free to families
- Fundraising platform for families to raise money for out of home treatment
- Resources website
These organizations may give you a pause, but I’ve had the opportunity to get to know President/CEO, Scott Smith. He’s passionate about helping parents find the best placements for their kids and his heart is to help everyone. He knows funding is a huge barrier for so many and that’s why he’s created an online fundraising platform. This is a free service for parents and Scott is full of great information about how these programs work, personal observations of various programs, and more. You can connect with Best Choice Admissions and Scott at www.bestchoiceadmissions.com
