Ben has been back at his regular school for a few weeks now, but is not coping very well.
He is frightened that his temporary carer, Nadine will leave him at school and not return. Nadine reassures Ben that she will be back to pick him up at 3:30 on the dot and that they will walk to the local park to have a kick of the football after school.
Ben’s teacher has also reported that he is still having trouble socialising at school, is being disruptive in class and is often highly emotional. The trauma that he has experienced in his short life no doubt makes it difficult for him to concentrate in school and to relate to other kids.
Nadine has heard about Anglicare’s Move, Groove and Grow, a music and movement alternate therapy program for children in out of home care. The program is based on scientific research into the impact of trauma on the brain, using music and dance to practise self-control and emotional regulation that can assist in repairing the damaged pathways in a child’s brain arising from trauma. She phones Sonya and books Ben in for the afternoon session.
Ben is relieved when Nadine is waiting for him after school and somewhat excited as they walk to the park to kick the football around. He has lots of fun and for a few moments, he enjoys an everyday outing, just like other kids. Nobody ever takes Ben to the park, so this makes him happy.
