Our Approach

JRI takes on the challenges that seem impossible, challenges with a level of risk and complexity that other public and private entities have been unwilling or unable to address. For those in the deepest need without advocates or resources, JRI is the resource of choice.

JRI has not pursued a strategy of following trends, but has instead initiated programs and developed models that have set trends and shaped systems. JRI does not grow through serially developing similar programs; instead, we operate a few exemplary programs of each model. Our work has compelled the development of more improved, more effective, more easily workable, and more solidly replicable models. In addition, we have increased the diversity and stability of our agency through merger, acquisition and partnerships that further our community goals and strengthen our services. 

Trauma Informed Care

JRI programs incorporate trauma informed care. They support youth, adults and families to navigate challenges and meaningfully contribute to society. Services assist those affected by homelessness and health disparities, and those at risk through substance abuse, mental or physical health concerns, violence, and sexual exploitation. The goals of all programs are 1) excellence of service and 2) the advancement of the field, through knowledge sharing, research, and development of new models of care.

JRI gets high ratings in trauma-informed care.  Between June 2016 and July 2017 JRI partnered with an external evaluator, the American Institute for Research, to conduct an assessment of trauma-informed practice across the agency. The results showed that JRI consistently integrates trauma-informed practices into all aspects of its service delivery system.  JRI demonstrates a high level of commitment to providing trauma-informed care to a wide range of populations across multiple treatment settings. 

The TICOMETER, created by the Center for Social Innovation, is the first validated instrument to measure the level of trauma-informed care at an organizational level.

The ARC Framework

The Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework is a core-components treatment model, developed to provide a guiding framework for thoughtful clinical intervention with complexly traumatized youth and their care giving systems.  Drawing from the fields of trauma, attachment, and child development, the framework recognizes the importance of working with the child-in-context, of acknowledging the role of historical experiences and adaptive responses in current presentation, and of intervening with the surrounding environment – whether primary caregivers or treatment system – to support and facilitate the child’s healthy growth and development.  Rather than identify step-by-step intervention strategies, the framework identifies 10 key “building blocks”, or intervention targets, key skills/goals within each domain, developmental and cultural considerations, and potential applications across settings.  The ARC framework, developed by Kristine M. Kinniburgh and Margaret E. Blaustein while at JRI, is recognized by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) as a promising practice.

The Building Communities of Care (BCC)

BCC curriculum was developed by experts in the fields of mental health, education, trauma treatment, and residential and community based care. It is being utilized in programs spanning many levels of care, from sub-acute facilities to outpatient treatment. BCC is uniquely designed to provide a clear, systems-based approach to therapeutic work and crisis intervention, while still allowing for a great deal of individualization on the program and client levels. BCC is a trauma-informed, systems-based training approach to working with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings. It is a “train-the-trainer” based model, and is delivered to participants in 16 – 24 hours, depending on topics covered. It can be delivered with or without physical intervention content.

The JRI Continuum

JRI invests in ongoing development, and regularly acquires unique organizations to enhance its service continuum. These programs provide best of breed qualities that get strengthened and incorporated as specialized agency resources. This strategy fills service gaps, while increasing operational efficiencies and economies of scale. It supports community need, reduces overhead and administration costs, and ensures JRI’s capacity to retain a skilled workforce.

Permanency

Families and lifelong connections are often the most important social network in a person's life and can have an enormous impact on the effectiveness on the services, treatment, education, permanency and supports a person receives and continued success after the services close. JRI understands the importance of individuals having a stable, permanent setting from which they can develop their identities and values. JRI strongly believes this setting should be with the individual’s family whenever possible. Therefore, Permanency a first and foremost goal throughout an individuals’ stay in our care. Family is broadly defined by each person served to acknowledge and include who the person self identifies as family and permanent connection. Permanency is defined as a safe, committed, supportive and caring relationship that is intended to be life-long between a young person and adult. Because of the importance of families and permanent connection, each program is designed to encourage extensive family engagement and permanency planning throughout an individuals' stay. Permanency planning places emphasis on working with persons to identify and strengthen natural community supports, lifelong connections and transitional planning to adult servicing agencies as appropriate. 

 

Equine Therapy (EFT-CT Model)

Equine Therapy Horse

EFT-CT is a trauma informed ARC-based intervention that can be used alone or in conjunction with more traditional forms of psychotherapy. Consistent with the ARC framework, EFT-CT incorporates 3 core components of intervention that target areas impacted by exposure to trauma including: 1)safety, 2) attachment, and 3) regulation. In addition, routines and rituals (i.e., treatment techniques that create an environment reflective of safety, predictability, and consistency) are woven throughout the model. The EFT-CT model is considered an experiential therapy, as it focuses primarily on the relationship with the therapy horse. Experiential models, such as EFT-CT, can offer more effective interventions for youth who have experienced severe trauma. Experiential interventions have proven to be more effective for youth who are often not responsive to more traditional modalities such as talk therapy. For many youth, learning how to trust an equine partner has promoted themes of competency, control, felt safety and mastery. Building a trusting relationship with a therapy horse has helped youth navigate relationships in their daily lives. The highly relational nature of the EFT-CT model supports youth in building a positive and cohesive sense of self through direct experience. These experiences can then be applied in the therapeutic process, helping youth to integrate their trauma experiences effectively.

Donate to our Equine Therapy Program

 

Language Accessibility

JRI is fully committed to communicating effectively and in partnership with clients, families, and our community partners. We are committed to providing the tools necessary to support this effective communication. This includes but is not limited to ASL services, translation services, interpreters, and written information in other formats. If you or your family/team require access to these tools/ services, please contact the Program Director or Program Clinician. Alternatively, you may circle the language needed on this form and provide to any member of the team who will then link you to services. If ASL services are needed, please let us know.

Learn more about our Language Accessibility

@JRISocialJstce

JRI Service Navigator

Do you have a question about JRI services?

Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.