| PEACE: A LEARNED SOLUTION (PALS) |  |
Peace: A Learned Solution was developed as a program in December, 2007. It is part of a state-wide network of similar programs focused on providing therapeutic services to families who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence. It is free of charge and open to children and non-offending parents or adults in their lives. Services are also available for adults who have experienced violence through the Violence Intervention Program (VIP).
Peace: a Learned Solution (PALS) is therapeutic program for children and their families who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence. PALS recognizes that violence within a family can be a very traumatic situation for children. It works to restore the individual control many children lose when they experience violence first hand.
Creative Arts Therapy can include play therapy, art therapy, and music and movement therapy. The program does this through creative arts therapy sessions focused on artistic self expression, play therapy and movement and drama. In addition, PALS focuses on the family as a whole system, providing case management and counseling services for the non-offending parent.
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How Do I Know if My Child Needs PALS?
Many times children may experience a wide reaction to the stress that domestic violence can cause — it may include anger, acting out, or becoming withdrawn. Some children may experience difficulty sleeping or may begin to have difficulty at school. Other children may not exhibit any of these signs, and are still impacted by the domestic violence.
More information about the effects of domestic violence on young children is available through this free booklet:
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the file. It is available for download, free of charge, by clicking here.
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Creative arts therapy can include different areas, such as art therapy, play therapy, music therapy, movement or drama therapy. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapy theories with knowledge of art education in order to assist individuals in giving thoughts and feelings visual representation. Through the process of creating and reflecting on the created product, an individual may explore emotions, increase self-awareness and self-esteem, and identify boundaries, cognitive skills, and healthy coping mechanisms.
Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.
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What is the Age Limit for PALS?
PALS provides services to children from age 3 to 17 years old.
Do you provide Services for Teenagers?
Teenagers are just as impacted by domestic violence occurring in a home as younger children. PALS provides all the creative art therapies to teenagers that are available to younger children. They are also able to participate in both groups and individual therapy.
What Family Members are Eligible?
Any children who witnessed or experienced domestic violence are eligible, as well as any non-offending parents. Parents who were the perpetrators of the violence are not eligible for services through PALS, as the main focus of the program is processing the trauma experienced. To be eligible for PALS, families cannot be currently living or in a relationship with the offending adult.
What Services are Available for Me?
Services are available for survivors of domestic violence. The Atlantic County Women’s Center provides confidential shelter, counseling and case management through the Violence Intervention Program. Another option of PALS includes therapy for the non-offending adult in the household who has experienced domestic violence.
The program also includes transportation for families to and from the services, as well as onsite childcare for siblings.
The main focus of PALs is the therapeutic creative arts programs that are offered either in both individual sessions and group sessions. Creative arts may include art therapy, play therapy, music or movement therapy.
An important piece of PALS is focusing on your family’s strengths and healing from the violence experienced. Families that have experienced domestic violence may also need additional information about other services in the community, such as legal services, financial literacy information, or health insurance referrals. Case managers are able to provide assistance around the families most pressing needs.
The program also offers a support group for adults who have children participating in PALS, and can provide additional services as needed.
How Do I Get Involved with PALS?
Families get involved with PALS through self referral and court mandated referrals. If you are interested in setting up an initial appointment or would just like some additional information, you can contact us at (609) 601-9925, ext. 221. A PALS Case Manager will assist you in determining the level of services that will best benefit your children and family.
How Do I Refer a Client to PALS?
If you are a judge, mental health professional or social services professional, it is important to remember that PALS is a confidential program. Any information must first be released by the non-offending parent or adult participating in PALS. If you would like additional information or would like to refer a client, please contact us at (609) 601-9925, ext. 221.
