SITCAP-ART (Trauma Intervention Program for Adjudicated and At-Risk Youth) is a program for traumatized adolescents 13-18 years old who are on probation for delinquent acts. These youth, who are court ordered to attend the program, are at risk for problems including dropping out of school, substance abuse, and mental health issues. SITCAP-ART is intended to reduce their symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental health-related responses to traumatic experiences.
SITCAP-ART–a modification of Structured Sensory Intervention for Traumatized Children, Adolescents and Parents–is based on structured sensory therapy, integrating sensory-based activities and cognitive-reframing strategies. The approach is grounded in the understanding that trauma is a sensory experience; traumatic memories are experienced at a sensory level and must be reactivated in a safe environment in order to be moderated and tolerated with a sense of power and feeling of safety.