Opening Our Arms

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