4Keeps

In pursuit of 4Keeps’ current scope of work, to provide innovative support for adoptive / foster families of children with special needs, we are collaborating with Acres for Life in Chisago City to conduct a pilot program for families whose children have a FASD diagnosis.  In conjunction with 4Keeps, the certified facilitators from Acres for Life will provide the necessary facilities, training and therapy for the program.

Lynn Moore, founder and co-proprietor of Acres for Life, is a certified Equine Assisted Growth and Leaning Association (EAGALA) facilitator and a licensed LADC counselor.  She will lead the implementation of the EAGALA program. EAGALA programing incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. No riding of horses is involved, but rather, all work is conducted on the ground.

4Keeps believes families ultimately seek solutions that can stabilize and/or improve the difficult behaviors of FASD.  It also believes that improved self-regulation and positive social interactions are at the core of calmer, more satisfying relationships in the family and at school.

The project addresses two key issues confronting those with FASD:  social skills and self-regulation; and also introduces supportive parenting styles. This program will utilize EAGALA programming, which has been shown to address a variety of mental health needs  including: grief, depression, loss, anxiety, communication issues, PTSD, ADHD, ASD, emotional behavioral issues, etc.

Please note the sessions will be held outside at the farm which includes the weather, hay, grasses and animals.

To be considered for this pilot program, participants must meet the following:

1) Child is between the ages of 8 and 17

2) Child has an established FASD diagnosis

3) No significant psychopathologies including abusive behaviors towards animals or medial diagnosis or academic issues beyond typical FASD behaviors

4) Permanency within the family

5) Independently ambulatory

6) IQ above 90

7) Family’s willingness to commit to 10 sessions, each of which is two hours, along with two quarterly follow-ups

One parent is able to participate in each session

If you meet this criteria and are interested in being considered, please contact 4Keeps through the CONTACT page for a brochure or provide the following information:  name, address, phone and e-mail.

Applicants will be screened by an initial telephone interview before acceptance into the program. Eight children and their parent(s) have been selected and more sessions will begin after the first of the year in which 10-12 more children and their parents will be selected.

If interested please send e-mail with name, address and telephone number.