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Keeping it Real: Para Los Niņos Partners with the Real Medicine Foundation
 When a child is exposed to domestic violence, substance abuse or child abuse, teachers and childcare workers are on the front lines. If these caring adults are well-trained in recognizing the signs of trauma, they can ensure that children receive the assistance they need. If no one realizes a child needs help overcoming trauma, the child is at high risk of developing serious psychological and medical problems as an adult.
Para Los Niños continually looks for creative ways to advance our mission to help children succeed. To enable our staff to better identify signs of trauma, Para Los Niños began collaborating with the Real Medicine Foundation in 2006.
The Real Medicine Foundation is a humanitarian organization that provides holistic support to people living in poverty-stricken areas, as well as areas that have endured war or a disaster. They believe that “real” medicine treats the whole person: physically, emotionally, economically and socially. The Real Medicine Foundation assessed our programs, teachers, curriculum and our clients in order to design a relevant, sustainable training program for staff. The first trainings were held for staff in our Child Development Centers and Para Los Niños Charter School, who care for our youngest, most vulnerable children. Over two days, staff members worked with trainers from the Real Medicine Foundation Psycho-trauma team to learn key principals and techniques.
These trainings will better equip Para Los Niños’ teachers and caregivers to recognize, identify and assess the impacts of traumatic childhood events on our children. As a result, they will be able to arrange timely and effective prevention and intervention for children. Due to our partnership with the Real Medicine Foundation, children will grow up healthier and safer at home and school, without the risk of long-term negative consequences.
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