Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) is a holistic, attachment-based, evidence-based and trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. Created by Dr. Karyn Purvis, and Dr. David Cross, Rees-Jones Director of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU, TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. TBRI® is based on years of attachment, trauma, and neuroscience research.
Children who have experienced trauma very often have changes in their bodies, brains, behaviors, and belief systems. While a variety of parenting strategies may be successful in typical circumstances, children impacted by trauma need holistic caregiving that meets their unique needs.
“There is HOPE for children from hard places. TBRI® WORKS!” – TBRI® Practitioner
Although TBRI® was originally developed for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and/or trauma, it has proven to be effective with all children. TBRI® offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone who works with children, to help those in their care reach their highest potential.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention® has been successfully applied in residential treatment facilities, institutional care (orphanages), courts, schools, care communities for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation, juvenile justice systems, adoptive families, biological families, law enforcement, child welfare organizations, and in foster care agencies and foster families.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention® is currently listed on the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse (CEBC) registry for Child Welfare, and is rated as being “Highly” relevant in the child welfare system based upon the program being designed to meet the needs of children, youth, and families receiving child welfare services. TBRI® has also received a rating of ‘Promising’ by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, developed in accordance with the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). Both the Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) Caregiver Training Package and TBRI® 101 are now listed by the Clearinghouse as Promising Practices for Mental Health Prevention and Treatment.