Application of the ARC Model with Adopted Children: Supporting Resiliency and Family Well Being

This project describes application of an evidenced-based, trauma-informed treatment framework, Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC), with adopted children impacted by complex trauma and their caregivers. Results demonstrate that ARC treatment was associated with significant decreases in child symptoms and caregiver stress from pre- to post-treatment, which were maintained over a 12-month follow up period. Preliminary findings contribute to an emerging empirical basis for the ARC model and are supportive of its clinical utility as a practice with adopted children. Next steps include; a) expanding study findings by conducting controlled efficacy research, b) examining the transaction between child and caregiver factors as agents of change, and c) conducting longitudinal research of children and families receiving ARC to more deeply examine impact on resiliency.