The Program

Heal The Child is a child abuse prevention and education project and a training program for health care professionals. At the heart of the project is the original music written and performed by Laurie Moran. The musical program consists of songs about the pain of abuse and the hope of healing and recovery. Laurie accompanies herself on guitar and shares her personal experience, inviting audience participation.

The emphasis on talk derives from the fact that abuse depends on silence. Many of our community problems such as juvenile crime, teen pregnancy and drug or alcohol dependency begin with a troubled child in a family where the children are taught not to talk about family problems. The “Don’t talk” rule carries with it an inappropriate sense of loyalty. By talking, the child is somehow betraying the family’s secret. This project teaches parents, teachers and others in the community who influence children’s lives the importance of making it safe for our children to talk to someone when they are being harmed. In addition, Laurie’s sharing offers hope, support and a vision of healing that begins with breaking the silence.

Children in homes where there is abuse, whether they are the victims or the witnesses, develop symptoms such as low self esteem, difficulty establishing healthy boundaries, inability to express feelings, shame and confusion about family loyalties, and ignorance about what a healthy family life is. Heal the Child addresses all of these symptoms and the program creates an opportunity for dialog for a variety of audiences including teens, parents, teachers, child care advocates, counselors, graduate students and adult survivors.

It is very difficult to identify troubled families and provide help before they are in need of more serious interventions that tax the community greatly such as removing children from the home and/or criminal prosecution. One outcome of this program is that people are encouraged to seek help at an early stage of distress. The dramatic impact of theses songs and the gentle spirit of their creator makes it possible to reach audiences that are otherwise inaccessible.

Another outcome of this program has been the impact on adult survivors of childhood abuse, many of whom are today’s parents. We know that the tendency to repeat the cycle of abuse can be interrupted if people are reached early and in a way that provides hope for change. Parents who are struggling with their own childhood memories will learn that they are not alone in their suffering and, with support, can find acceptance and direction.

As a training tool for health care professionals, Heal The Child gives students and practicing therapists a first hand opportunity, from a clients perspective, to experience techniques that can be useful during the therapeutic process.

Heal The Child is designed to be flexible and appropriate for a wide variety of audiences.