Casa Shalom Hosts Conference Representing 824 Orphans
Children numbering 824 are represented at Casa Shalom in Guatemala. Some are orphans, some are victims of neglect or abuse, and others are simply abandoned.
Recently, psychologists and directors from 15 orphanages around Guatemala gathered at Casa Shalom for a special seminar led by world-renown psychologist and child behavioral specialist Nancy Thomas. The focus of the seminar was children with severe emotional disturbances, significant behavior problems, and the inability to form relationships with those around them, including parents and caregivers.
Children who come to orphanages like Casa Shalom are more prone to these behavioral problems, due to the abuse or neglect they have suffered. These problems can affect children of all ages, from babies to young adults. The participants in the seminar are studying the underlying causes of emotional disturbance, along with many strategies for helping affected children heal and form loving bonds with their caregivers.
Each participant will carry these strategies with them to their respective orphanages, where they can train house-mothers, staff, and other caregivers how to provide the best care possible for children who suffer from these behavioral and emotional problems.
Joshua & Jessica Hanson, Directors, Casa Shalom
