An 8-year-old Camarillo-area boy named Daniel is preparing to graduate from Casa Pacifica's Therapeutic Behavioral Services program after learning to manage his emotions and speak up for himself.

Daniel began receiving TBS at age 7, during a stretch when he was rotating between the homes of his mother, father and grandmother each week, according to a Casa Pacifica case study published Wednesday, Sept. 16. He was also adjusting to life with a younger brother who has autism. When frustrated, he sometimes responded with physical or verbal aggression.

Casa Pacifica's TBS specialists worked with Daniel on coping skills and healthier ways to communicate. His mother, Lyne, and his grandmother attended sessions and learned the same techniques so they could reinforce his progress at home.

The work paid off.

"I've watched Daniel work so hard to understand his emotions and learn how to express what he needs … We are so proud of how far he has come," Lyne said in the case study.

Daniel now identifies his emotions, explains what he is feeling and advocates for himself during progress review meetings, according to Casa Pacifica. He has also started teaching some of those skills to his younger brother.

How TBS works

TBS is a short-term program averaging about five months, according to the nonprofit's program page. It serves children and youth ages 0 to 21 who are at risk of placement in a residential treatment facility or group home, or who are returning from one.

Specialists deliver services in the home, school or community. They use art, games and behavioral plans to build on each child's strengths while coaching parents and caregivers on reinforcement strategies.

John Pineda, Casa Pacifica's Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist program lead, described the approach in an August post about another family the program served. He said TBS coaches caregivers on strategies that strengthen relationships while helping children develop healthier ways to express themselves.

Who qualifies

Children must have full-scope Medi-Cal, meet medical-necessity criteria or carry a qualifying mental health diagnosis, and already be receiving other mental health services. Referrals come through Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) or approved VCBH providers.

Casa Pacifica, headquartered in Camarillo, serves more than 2,000 children, young adults and families each year across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Upcoming

Casa Pacifica's 25th Annual Spotlight on Style Fashion Show is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.