Science-to-practice: Adapting an evidence based child trauma treatment for American Indian and Alaska native populations.

According the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the effects of childhood trauma can have devastating consequences for relationships, academic performance, emotional adjustment, and the future capacity to endure adversity. The impact of traumatic events in childhood and adolescence can continue to resonate in adult life, affecting physical and mental health, citizenship and community involvement, relationships, parenting, and family stability. American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are a vulnerable population with high levels of trauma exposure. To enhance trauma-sensitive mental health care for AI/AN children, Indian Country Child Trauma Center (part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network) designed an AI/AN adaptation of the evidence-based child trauma treatment, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The adapted model, Honoring Children—Mending the Circle, guides the healing process in a framework that supports AI/AN traditional beliefs and practices regarding wellness, spirituality and healing. This article provides an introduction to the HC-MC model, reviews cultural considerations incorporated into ICCTC's model adaptation process, and discusses lessons learned through the initial steps of the HC-MC model dissemination process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)