WV Trauma-Informed Mindfulness for Kids (WV TIME4K)

WV TIME4K is a program at Marshall University that provides integrated services to elementary school-aged children who have been affected by substance use disorder and other types of adverse child or community experiences. T4K focuses on the use of evidence-based mindfulness strategies to build coping skills for youth struggling with emotional regulation. By offering teaching resources combined with group activities and individualized interventions, TIME4K cultivates a calmer, more effective learning environment for all and underscores the importance of trauma-informed care for affected children. A host of community partners will provide other services as needed.

TIME4K is currently being conducted at two Cabell and two Wayne county elementary schools, the Huntington City Mission, and Project Hope treatment center for women.

How Does It Work?

  • A trained social work graduate student is assigned to school and community locations under the supervision of the project treatment coordinator. S/he works with classrooms or community settings to teach simple mindfulness techniques that can help defuse heightened emotional situations and improve focus.
  • Students who require more intensive intervention may be referred to the program for individualized help. When a child’s guardian approves his or her participation, the graduate student identifies opportunities for one-on-one, age-appropriate mindfulness coaching. Children and families may be referred to other community providers as needed. Progress is evaluated by the School Psychology department through the use of an evidenced based screening tool.

Why Mindfulness?

Children affected by adverse child experiences are at greater risk for physical, emotional, and academic problems. Age-appropriate mindfulness coaching can help children build coping skills that manage emotions and reduce emotional and behavioral issues. Such issues can harm relationships and disrupt academic performance. Scholarly research finds that mindfulness practice decreases stress and anxiety, increases attention, improves interpersonal relationships, and strengthens compassion (1).

Program Information

Contact Robin Looney, treatment coordinator at looney5@marshall.edu.

Community Partners

  • Cabell County Schools
  • PeaceTree Center for Wellness
  • Cabell County DHHR
  • Legal Aid of West Virginia
  • Wayne County DHHR
  • City of Huntington
  • Marshall University Coalition
  • Healthy Connections Coalition
  • Healthy Connections Developmental Clinic
  • Healthy Grandfamilies
  • Marshall University Departments of Social Work and Psychology
  • Wayne County Schools

(1)Research on Mindfulness in Education. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2019, from https://www.mindfulschools.org/about-mindfulness/research