Opening Our Arms
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2006, paper
ISBN 978-0-923521-94-3
This is a recording of a journey of one child psychiatric unit and a profound questioning of the humanity of current practice in child welfare. It is a bird's eye view of a group of people undertaking major change. It is about taking the time to talk and pay attention to these troubled children, to acknowledge them and their needs, and to offer a hug when it is the only thing that will do.
Rave Reviews
"What happened on this inpatient unit is extraordinary, and reminds us that with
wisdom, compassion, and vision—and a willingness to question conventional
wisdom—a few dedicated people can change entire systems and dramatically and
positively impact the lives of the most difficult and needy of children. This book
should be required reading for administrators and staff in all restrictive facilities—
therapeutic schools, inpatient units, residential facilities, and juvenile detention
centers—and for the parents who must entrust their children to these facilities."
—Ross W. Greene, Author of The Explosive Child Director,
Collaborative Problem Solving Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital
"The book has many dimensions…In almost every line the author conveys respect
…respect for children, seeing strengths even in those children whose behavior was
extremely difficult to manage; respect for families, even those who had very different
values and views about the care of their children; and respect for staff who had practiced
in a different way but had the capacity for change."
—Beverly H. Johnson, President/CEO, The Institute for Family-Centered Care
"Wow! It is just so engaging! Though I have spent many years managing child
welfare and community social service agencies, I have no clinical expertise…but
in reading this book, I was right there in the unit with Kathy and the staff."
—Professor Sandy Matava, Suffolk University, former Commissioner
of the Massachusetts Department of Social Services
Author
Kathleen Regan, RN, BSN, MHA, joined Cambridge Health Alliance in 2001 as Nurse Manager for the Child Assessment Unit. She was instrumental in the process of steering the unit toward humane, trauma-sensitive care for troubled children. The unit has won a number of awards including the 2003 Psychiatric Services Award for Service Excellence from the American Psychiatric Association.