Trust-Based Relational Intervention®

What is TBRI®?

Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) is an attachment theory-based, trauma-informed framework designed to meet the complex needs of children who have experienced adversity, early harm, toxic stress, and trauma.

Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the adults in their lives, which can result in challenging behaviors. TBRI® offers practical tools and training for parents, caregivers, and anyone who works with children to see the “whole child” in their care, meet their needs, and help that child thrive.

TBRI® uses three sets of principles to address children's needs. Connecting Principles address attachment needs, Empowering Principles address physical needs, and Correcting Principles disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI® is connection.

By offering TBRI® training, we can offer resources to parents and caregivers to build stronger connections with their children. Our CASA and Family Connections programs also utilize TBRI® principles in their work, in order to provide wraparound trauma-informed support for the children and families we work with.

TBRI® was started by Dr. Karyn Purvis at TCU.

TBRI® AT TCU

TBRI® for Parents & Caregivers

CASA of Larimer County offers the following opportunities for caregivers to learn these impactful tools to support stronger and happier relationships. We offer TBRI® in English and Spanish.

TBRI® Caregiver Package: A 24 hour group training by a TBRI® Practitioner, available in-person or virtually every month
1-on-1 Training: Direct consultation and coaching by a TBRI® Practitioner (limited referrals only)
A monthly and weekly continuum of care opportunities for caregivers completing the Caregiver Package or 1-on-1 classes

PARENT FEEDBACK

"I came into this training thinking I don’t know what else I could possibly learn and what else can they help me with, and boy was I wrong! The amount of stuff that I learned, the way my eyes were opened, and not only that - you gave us ways to do what you were teaching, and it has been working! You wanted feedback, so here’s my feedback: any parent that is going to birth a child, parent a child, foster or adopt a child needs this class!"

"The training was extremely helpful... I feel like we were able to use it with our foster kid and gain more knowledge and understanding on what is going on with him. We were able to use the skills and tools to help him."

"I also really enjoyed and liked the training, I believe I learned a lot, and I am a better parent, not only for my foster kids, but also my bio kiddos."

"I have less stress and more playful interaction [after classes]. I am able to offer new and good choices."

"The child we adopted went through all of those things and all of this information was very helpful for us. Everything was great. It just made sense. A+"

"I am able to remain calm when responding to my kids. I am able to control the anger, so much so my mom told my caseworker about the change."

Interested in TBRI®?

Send us a message using the form below, or contact us at TBRI@casalarimer.com or 970-825-7373.

TBRI® for Professionals

In 2024, CASA of Larimer County has received funding from CJA and The Colorado Trust. These opportunities have made it possible for us to hire a TBRI® Court Practitioner, create a calming room at the Larimer County Justice Center, and expand our TBRI® programming for both caregivers and professionals.

Trauma-Informed Courts Workshop
May 2024

In May of this year, CASA of Larimer County brought together more than 100 professionals involved in the 8th Judicial District Dependency and Neglect Court for a day-long Trauma-Informed Courts Workshop about how to build trauma-informed practices into the court system to more effectively engage participants. This initiative was a collaborative effort through the Best Practice Courts Team. Participants in the workshop included guardians ad litem, counsel for youth, respondent parent attorneys, county attorneys, parents, and Department of Human Services leadership, supervisors and caseworkers.

Calming Room at the Justice Center
June 2024

Our team also transformed a small conference room outside Magistrate Connors' courtroom in the Justice Center into a calming room for families. Stressful situations like court can cause dysregulation, which prevents participants from fully and effectively engaging in the court process. This room is equipped with tools to meet the sensory needs of children and parents who attend court.

Statewide TBRI® Training for CASA Volunteers
Fall 2024

Since the beginning of 2023, CASA of Larimer County has asked all new CASA Volunteers to take TBRI® training to improve their understanding of the impacts of trauma on the brain, body, and behaviors.

TBRI® teaches tools that build connection, felt safety, and regulation for everyone. This year, we received state funding to extend virtual TBRI® training CASA Volunteers and staff from CASA programs across the state. Of the first cohort, 91% of CASA Volunteers reported that TBRI® training improved their ability to advocate and create felt safety for the child to whom they are appointed. 25 CASAs attended the first 6-hour TBRI® Overview and 68 are registered for the second series in August.