EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) as Evidence-Informed Treatment Model

T3C Interim Credential Application - Section II.C

OVERVIEW

Refuge House, Inc. has selected Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) as our evidence-informed treatment model for the T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Services Package and all applied Add-On Services. TBRI is a holistic, research-based intervention designed specifically for children who have experienced relational trauma, making it ideally suited for children in foster care.

TBRI FRAMEWORK

TBRI addresses the comprehensive needs of traumatized children through three integrated principles:

1. CONNECTING PRINCIPLES

• Building trust through attunement and engagement
• Providing felt safety in all interactions
• Supporting healthy attachment development
• Creating healing relationships as the foundation for change

2. EMPOWERING PRINCIPLES

• Meeting physical and sensory needs
• Establishing predictable routines and transitions
• Supporting physiological regulation
• Creating environments that promote healing

3. CORRECTING PRINCIPLES

• Using proactive teaching strategies
• Implementing the IDEAL Response® framework
• Maintaining connection while addressing behaviors
• Teaching self-regulation and life skills

EVIDENCE BASE

TBRI's selection is supported by robust research and recognition:

• California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse (CEBC) Rating: TBRI® has received a Scientific Rating of 3 - Promising Research Evidence
• Recognized by SAMHSA as meeting all six principles of trauma-informed care
• One of only four approaches globally meeting essential trauma-informed system elements
• TCU research demonstrates:
  • 39% reduction in serious incidents
  • 60% reduction in physical restraints
  • Significant improvements in attachment behaviors
  • Measurable decrease in caregiver stress
  • Enhanced placement stability

TBRI PRACTITIONER LEADERSHIP

Current TBRI Practitioner

Michele Gorman

• Position: Co-Founder and Executive Director
• Email: mgorman@refugehouse.org
• TBRI Certification: Certified TBRI Practitioner since 2011

Michele Gorman is responsible for the implementation of the TBRI plan at Refuge House.

[TBRI Practitioner Certificate for Michele Gorman to be provided as supporting documentation]

Organizational Goal

The objective is to ensure that all staff at Refuge House with direct care responsibilities obtain TBRI practitioner status. We have experienced hurdles in this area due to TBRI practitioner trainings being booked solid into the future through the Karyn Purvis Institute.

IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH

Our TBRI implementation is comprehensive and systematic:

Organizational Integration

• Leadership Commitment: Board-approved as foundational treatment model
• Policy Integration: TBRI principles embedded in all policies and procedures
• Staff Structure: Dedicated roles for TBRI implementation and fidelity monitoring
• Resource Allocation: Budget committed for training, materials, and ongoing support

Training and Development

• Staff Training: All staff complete TBRI practitioner training with annual refreshers
• Foster Parent Education: 35+ hours of pre-service TBRI training with ongoing support
• Child/Youth Education: Age-appropriate materials and activities for TBRI awareness
• Continuous Learning: Monthly consultation and quarterly skill-building sessions

Quality Assurance

• Fidelity Monitoring: Quarterly assessments using TBRI implementation checklists
• Outcome Tracking: CANS 3.0 scores, placement stability, and behavioral indicators
• Continuous Improvement: Data-driven adjustments through CQI process
• Regular Review: Annual comprehensive evaluation of TBRI effectiveness

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT AND FIDELITY MONITORING

Responsibility for Ongoing Development

Michele Gorman, as the certified TBRI Practitioner and Executive Director, is responsible for the ongoing development process of the treatment/program model at Refuge House.

Fidelity Monitoring

The fidelity monitoring of TBRI implementation will be conducted through a cooperative effort between Michele Gorman and the Quality Assurance team.

ALIGNMENT WITH T3C REQUIREMENTS

TBRI directly supports T3C's vision by:

1. Addressing Trauma: Specifically designed for abuse and neglect victims
2. Supporting Families: Equips foster parents with practical, effective strategies
3. Promoting Permanency: Builds attachment capacity and family connections
4. Ensuring Well-being: Addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs
5. Achieving Outcomes: Demonstrates measurable improvements in child functioning

CURRENT IMPLEMENTATION STATUS

As of the application date, Refuge House has:

• ✅ Developed comprehensive TBRI-integrated policies and procedures
• ✅ Created extensive training curricula for all stakeholder groups
• ✅ Designed age-appropriate education materials for children/youth
• ✅ Established quality assurance processes for fidelity monitoring
• ✅ Integrated TBRI throughout our Logic Model and service delivery
• ✅ Prepared implementation timeline for Active Credential requirements

COMMITMENT STATEMENT

Refuge House, Inc. is fully committed to TBRI as our evidence-informed treatment model. This commitment extends beyond compliance to a fundamental belief that healing happens in relationships. Through TBRI, we provide children with the therapeutic experiences they need to heal from trauma, develop trust, and achieve permanency. Our comprehensive implementation plan ensures that every child, caregiver, and staff member understands and benefits from this transformative approach.

TBRI® is a registered trademark of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University.