The HOPE Framework: What Positive Experiences Actually Do to Your Child’s Brain

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Blog, A Way of Being August 3, 2026

The HOPE Framework — Center for Child Counseling

A Way of Being with HOPE — Article 4

The HOPE Framework: What Positive Experiences Actually Do to Your Child's Brain

The science is remarkable

Renée Layman

President & CEO · HOPE Champion

August 2026

For decades, the conversation about children's well-being has focused on what goes wrong. Adverse Childhood Experiences. Toxic stress. Trauma. These are real, and they matter enormously. But somewhere along the way, we forgot to ask an equally important question: what goes right?

The HOPE framework — Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences — asks that question. And the answer is changing how we think about childhood, parenting, and what it truly takes for a child to thrive.

A Fundamental Shift

The ACEs framework taught us that adversity in childhood has real, lasting effects on health and development. That was groundbreaking — and it led to an entire field of research, policy change, and clinical practice. Center for Child Counseling has been at the forefront of that work through our Fighting ACEs initiative and ACEs Toolkit.

But ACEs alone tell only half the story. Knowing what hurts children doesn't automatically tell us what heals them.

That's the shift HOPE provides:

The Old Question

"What happened to you?"

→

The HOPE Question

"What's strong with you?"

HOPE doesn't replace ACEs science — it completes it. It gives us a roadmap for building the positive experiences that buffer adversity, change brain architecture, and give every child a fighting chance.

The Four Building Blocks of HOPE

Developed by the HOPE National Resource Center at Tufts Medical Center, the HOPE framework identifies four categories of positive experiences that research shows are essential for healthy development. These aren't abstract ideals — they're specific, actionable, and available to every family, school, and community.

Relationships

At least one stable, nurturing relationship with a caring adult — a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or mentor — who shows up consistently. This is the single most powerful buffer against adversity. A child who has even one person they can count on develops the neural wiring for trust, emotional regulation, and resilience.

What this looks like: A father who reads to his daughter every night. A grandmother who never misses a soccer game. A teacher who notices when a student seems off and asks, "Are you okay?"

Environments

Safe, stable, and equitable physical and emotional spaces for living, learning, and playing. This means neighborhoods where children can play outside, schools where they feel welcome, homes where they feel calm, and communities that invest in the places children spend their days.

What this looks like: A childcare center with warm, responsive caregivers. A neighborhood park that's clean and safe. A classroom where mistakes are met with encouragement, not shame.

Engagement

Opportunities for social, civic, and creative engagement — participating in activities that build a sense of belonging, connection, and purpose. This isn't about overscheduling; it's about having experiences that make a child feel like they matter and belong to something larger than themselves.

What this looks like: Playing on a team. Singing in a choir. Volunteering at a community garden. Family game night. Even a simple weekly tradition like pancake Saturdays.

Emotional Growth

Opportunities to develop social and emotional competencies — learning to identify and manage emotions, develop empathy, navigate conflict, and relate to others with kindness. These are the skills that allow a child to regulate their nervous system, form healthy relationships, and recover from setbacks.

What this looks like: A parent who names feelings ("You seem frustrated. That's hard."). A classroom that teaches conflict resolution. A family that talks openly about emotions at the dinner table.

What the Research Shows

The science behind HOPE isn't wishful thinking. A landmark 2019 study by Dr. Christina Bethell at Johns Hopkins found that Positive Childhood Experiences — including feeling safe, supported, and connected — independently promote adult mental health, regardless of how many ACEs a person experienced. In other words, positive experiences don't just feel good — they biologically change outcomes.

72%

lower risk of depression and poor mental health for adults with high PCEs — even with ACE exposure

3.5x

more likely to have the social and emotional support needed for health and well-being

better at managing emotions and navigating challenges as adults compared to those with few PCEs

This is what makes HOPE so powerful: it's not about erasing adversity. It's about building something alongside it that changes the equation. A child with four ACEs and four strong building blocks of HOPE has a fundamentally different trajectory than a child with four ACEs and none.

HOPE doesn't replace the work of addressing adversity. It completes it — by giving us a science-backed roadmap for what to build, not just what to prevent.

HOPE at Center for Child Counseling

At Center for Child Counseling, HOPE isn't just a framework we teach — it's how we operate. I became a certified HOPE Champion through the HOPE National Resource Center at Tufts Medical Center because I believe this framework has the power to transform how we serve children and families. Our entire organizational approach — from our A Way of Being with Children philosophy to our community education, clinical programs, and training — is built on the HOPE framework.

Every interaction our team has with a child, a family, or a professional is designed to promote at least one of the four building blocks. When a therapist meets with a child at school, that's Relationships. When we train childcare providers, that's Environments. When a child participates in our ArtClub program, that's Engagement. When SNAP® teaches self-regulation skills, that's Emotional Growth.

HOPE is the thread that connects everything we do.

What HOPE Means for You

You don't need to be a clinician, a teacher, or a policymaker to apply HOPE. You're already doing it — every time you hug your child, show up to a school event, eat dinner together, or simply ask "How are you feeling?"

The HOPE framework gives you the language and the science to understand why those moments matter so much — and to be intentional about creating more of them. Not perfectly. Not exhaustively. Just consistently enough that your child's brain gets the message: I am safe. I belong. Someone cares. I can handle this.

💛

Want to explore how HOPE applies to your family or your work?

Ask our AI-powered HOPE Assistant about the framework, ACEs, positive experiences, and CFCC resources.

Try HOPE Assistant →

The Bottom Line

HOPE isn't about ignoring adversity. It's about refusing to stop there. It's the recognition that what we build for children matters just as much as what we protect them from — and that every parent, every teacher, every community has the power to change a child's trajectory through the simple, profound act of showing up.

Relationships. Environments. Engagement. Emotional Growth.

Four building blocks. One framework. A lifetime of impact.

Explore More

HOPE Resource Hub → Fighting ACEs with HOPE → ACEs Toolkit → HOPE National Resource Center → A Way of Being with Children → HOPE Assistant →

Renée Layman

President & CEO · Center for Child Counseling · HOPE Champion

Renée has led Center for Child Counseling since 2013, growing it from a small grassroots agency to one serving over 7,500 children annually across Palm Beach County. With nearly 30 years in children's mental health, she is a certified HOPE Champion through the HOPE National Resource Center at Tufts Medical Center, President of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health, and author of the updated A Way of Being with Children PreK Manual.

Building HOPE for Every Child

Center for Child Counseling brings the HOPE framework to life through therapy, prevention education, and family support across Palm Beach County.

Explore the HOPE Resource Hub → Find Support for Your Family →

Why Your Child’s Meltdown Isn’t What It Looks Like

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Blog, A Way of Being July 15, 2026July 15, 2026

A Way of Being with HOPE — Article 3

Why Your Child's Meltdown Isn't What It Looks Like

And what to do instead

Renée Layman

President & CEO · HOPE Champion

July 2026

The screaming. The crying. The floor-kicking, fist-clenching, back-arching explosion that seems to come out of nowhere. If you've been there — in the grocery store, at the playground, at bedtime — you know the feeling. Exhaustion. Frustration. And that quiet whisper: "What am I doing wrong?"

Here's the answer: nothing. Because what you're watching isn't misbehavior. It's a distress signal.

Behavior Is Communication

This is one of the most important concepts in child development, and it's the foundation of everything we do at Center for Child Counseling: behavior is communication. When a child melts down, their brain isn't choosing defiance. It's overwhelmed. The feelings are too big, the words aren't there yet, and their nervous system has flipped into survival mode.

Think about the last time you were so stressed, frustrated, or exhausted that you snapped at someone — said something you didn't mean, slammed a door, or shut down completely. Now imagine having that same level of overwhelming emotion with a brain that's still under construction, with no words to describe what you're feeling, and no ability to calm yourself down alone.

That's what a meltdown is. Not manipulation. Not a power play. A child drowning in feelings they can't manage yet.

What's Happening in Your Child's Brain

🚨

During a Meltdown

The brain's alarm system (amygdala) has taken over. The "thinking brain" (prefrontal cortex) goes offline. Your child literally cannot reason, listen, or learn right now. Logic, lectures, and consequences won't reach them here.

🌿

After Co-Regulation

Once the child feels safe and their nervous system calms down, the thinking brain comes back online. Now they can hear you, reflect on what happened, and learn from the experience. This is when teaching happens.

A child who is melting down doesn't need a consequence. They need a connection. You can teach the lesson later — but only after their brain is calm enough to hear it.

What Not to Do (and What to Do Instead)

Our instincts in the middle of a meltdown often make things worse — not because we're bad parents, but because we were never taught how a child's brain actually works. Here's the shift:

❌ Instead of This

• Yelling "Stop crying right now!"

• Explaining why they should calm down

• Punishing the behavior in the moment

• Walking away or ignoring the child

• Asking "Why are you acting like this?"

✅ Try This

• Get calm yourself first (co-regulation starts with you)

• Get down to their level — physically lower yourself

• Validate: "You're really upset right now. I'm here."

• Stay close. Your calm presence is the medicine.

• Wait. Teach the lesson later, when they can hear you.

The 5-Step Co-Regulation Process

Co-regulation is the process of using your calm to help calm your child. It's not a technique — it's a biological process. A child's nervous system literally borrows regulation from the adults around them. Here's how to practice it:

Regulate yourself first

Take a slow breath. Drop your shoulders. Soften your face. You can't help your child regulate if your own alarm system is ringing. Think: "This is not an emergency. This is a child who needs me."

Get close and get low

Move toward them, not away. Get down to their eye level. A calm, warm physical presence signals safety to their nervous system — even before words do.

Validate the feeling

Name what you see: "You're so frustrated right now" or "That was really hard." You're not excusing the behavior — you're acknowledging the emotion driving it. Children calm faster when they feel understood.

Wait for the wave to pass

Big emotions come in waves. Don't try to fix it, rush it, or talk your child out of it. Just be there. Your calm, steady presence is doing the work — even if it doesn't feel like it.

Teach after calm

Once the storm passes and their thinking brain is back online, that's when you can talk about what happened, what they can do differently next time, and how to make it right. This is where real learning lives.

Why This Matters for the HOPE Framework

The HOPE framework identifies Engagement — meeting children where they are — as one of its four building blocks. Co-regulation during a meltdown is engagement in its purest form. You're meeting your child exactly where they are emotionally, without judgment, without conditions, and with full presence.

Every time you co-regulate with your child through a meltdown, you're not just getting through a hard moment. You're building the neural pathways for self-regulation — the ability they'll eventually use to calm themselves down without you. You're teaching them, through your body and your presence, that big feelings aren't dangerous, that they don't have to face them alone, and that someone will always be there.

That's not indulgence. That's brain-building.

💛

Need more strategies for managing meltdowns or big emotions?

Ask our HOPE Assistant for personalized tips, resources, and program recommendations.

Try HOPE Assistant →

When Meltdowns Signal Something More

All children have meltdowns — it's a normal part of development. But when meltdowns are frequent, intense, prolonged, or escalating, it may be a sign that your child needs additional support. Signs to watch for include meltdowns that last more than 30 minutes regularly, aggression toward self or others, meltdowns that seem disproportionate to the trigger, and difficulty recovering even with your calm support.

If this sounds familiar, programs like SNAP® (Stop Now And Plan) — our evidence-based self-regulation program for children ages 6–11 — can help. SNAP teaches children concrete skills to recognize their feelings, stop, and choose a better response. Research shows measurable brain changes in just 13 weeks.

For younger children, our Child First and Early Childhood Social-Emotional Supports programs provide home-based and community-based support for families navigating these challenges. And our What Does My Child Need? guided tool can help you find the right fit.

The Bottom Line

The next time your child falls apart — in the car, at the dinner table, in the middle of Target — try to remember: this is not a discipline problem. This is a child whose brain is overwhelmed. They don't need you to fix it. They need you to be the calm in their storm.

And every time you show up that way — imperfectly, exhaustedly, but present — you're not just surviving the moment. You're building their brain. One meltdown at a time.

Explore More

SNAP® Program (Ages 6–11) → Tips & Exercises by Age → Ways to Talk to Children → What Does My Child Need? → A Way of Being with Children → HOPE Assistant →

Renée Layman

President & CEO · Center for Child Counseling · HOPE Champion

Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe & Supported

Whether you're looking for resources, seeking professional support, or simply trying to understand what your child is going through — we're here to help.

Find Support for Your Child → Request an Appointment →

What Children Really Need to Feel Safe

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Blog, A Way of Being July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

A Way of Being with HOPE — Article 2

What Children Really Need to Feel Safe

It's not what you think

Renée Layman

President & CEO · HOPE Champion

July 2026

We lock the doors. We buckle the seatbelts. We childproof the cabinets. We do everything we can to keep our children physically safe. But the kind of safety that shapes a child's brain, behavior, and future has almost nothing to do with locks — and everything to do with relationships.

Safety, for a child's developing nervous system, isn't about the absence of danger. It's about the presence of connection. A child who feels emotionally safe — who knows that a trusted adult will be there, will notice them, will help them when things feel overwhelming — develops the neural architecture for learning, emotional regulation, and resilience.

A child who doesn't feel that safety? Their brain stays in survival mode. It doesn't matter how good the school is or how structured the routine — a brain on alert can't learn, can't connect, and can't grow the way it's designed to.

The Four S's: What Every Child Needs

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson — the internationally renowned psychotherapist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker at our Lead the Fight initiative — describes four essential experiences that every child needs from their caregivers. She calls them the Four S's:

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson's Four S's

🛡️

Safe

Protected from harm — including emotional harm from the people they depend on

👁️

Seen

Understood for who they really are — their inner life acknowledged and valued

🤲

Soothed

Helped to manage distress when things feel too big — not left alone with overwhelming feelings

💚

Secure

Confident that their caregiver will be there consistently — creating a stable base to explore from

When a child consistently experiences these four things, something profound happens: they develop what researchers call secure attachment. And secure attachment isn't just a nice-to-have — it's the single strongest predictor of a child's ability to handle stress, form healthy relationships, and thrive throughout their life.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Attachment theory can sound abstract. But in practice, it shows up in the smallest, most ordinary moments — the ones you might not even think about.

Safe

Your child spills their juice and you say, "Oops, let's clean it up together" instead of yelling. They learn that mistakes don't lead to fear.

Seen

Your daughter seems quiet after school. Instead of asking "How was your day?" (and getting "fine"), you say, "You seem like something's on your mind. Want to tell me about it?" She learns her inner world matters.

Soothed

Your toddler is screaming because they can't have a cookie before dinner. Instead of logic or lectures, you get down to their level and say, "I know. You really wanted that cookie. That's hard." They learn that big feelings don't have to be faced alone.

Secure

You drop your child off at a new school and they look back at you. You smile and wave. They know you'll be there at pickup. They walk in with confidence — not because they're not nervous, but because they trust you'll return.

Why This Matters for the Brain

When a child feels safe, seen, soothed, and secure, their nervous system can shift from survival mode to learning mode. The stress response calms. The prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for problem-solving, empathy, emotional regulation, and decision-making — comes online.

But when a child chronically doesn't feel safe — even if they're physically safe — their brain stays wired for protection. The alarm system stays on. Cortisol stays elevated. And the parts of the brain that handle learning, connection, and emotional growth don't develop the way they should.

A child's brain doesn't ask "Am I safe?" It asks "Does this person make me feel safe?" The answer shapes everything.

This is why the HOPE framework puts Relationships as the very first building block. Not environments. Not programs. Not curriculum. Relationships. Because without a safe, caring relationship at the center, nothing else works the way it should.

What About When You Get It Wrong?

Here's the part that matters most: you don't have to be perfect.

Research on attachment shows that parents don't need to get it right every time — they need to get it right about a third of the time. What matters even more than getting it right is what happens when you get it wrong. Can you repair?

"I'm sorry I snapped at you. That wasn't your fault. I was frustrated about something else." That sentence — offered sincerely — is more powerful than a hundred perfect moments. Because it teaches your child that relationships can bend without breaking. That mistakes are human. That love isn't conditional on perfection.

At Center for Child Counseling, we call this A Way of Being with Children — a way of showing up in relationship that's grounded in attachment science, brain development, and the HOPE framework. It's not about techniques. It's about presence.

💛

Have more questions about attachment, safety, or your child's development?

Ask our AI-powered HOPE Assistant — instant, personalized guidance grounded in our clinical expertise.

Try HOPE Assistant →

When a Child Needs More

For many children, a safe and responsive relationship with a caregiver is enough. But some children have experienced disruptions to that safety — through trauma, loss, neglect, domestic violence, or other adverse childhood experiences — that make it harder for them to trust, connect, and regulate.

That's when professional support can help. Programs like Child First (home-based services for families with children under 6), Infant Mental Health (specialized support for the earliest relationships), and our Child & Family Center (outpatient therapy for children and families) are all designed to rebuild the sense of safety that every child deserves.

If you're wondering whether your child might benefit from support, our What Does My Child Need? guided tool can help you find the right program for your family.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing you can give your child isn't a perfect home, a perfect school, or a perfect schedule. It's you — showing up, paying attention, repairing when things go sideways, and making sure they know, deep in their bones, that someone is there.

Safe. Seen. Soothed. Secure.

That's the foundation. Everything else builds from there.

Explore More

A Way of Being with Children → Child First Program → Infant Mental Health Services → What Does My Child Need? → Tips & Exercises by Age → HOPE Assistant →

Renée Layman

President & CEO · Center for Child Counseling · HOPE Champion

Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe & Supported

Whether you're looking for resources, seeking professional support, or simply trying to understand what your child is going through — we're here to help.

Find Support for Your Child → Request an Appointment →

CFCC Holds New Executive Office Open House in Palm Beach Gardens

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases June 26, 2026June 26, 2026Center for Child Counseling, Circle of Giving, executive office, Open House

NEWS RELEASE
June 26, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) recently welcomed its Circle of Giving members and community partners to an Open House at its new executive office for a night of celebration and connection.

Together, with about 50 guests, CEO Renée Layman and her staff celebrated the agency’s new space and its impact made possible by the mission and partnerships that power it every day: a shared commitment to supporting children and families affected by trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The main office is now located at 4400 PGA Boulevard, Suite 400C, Palm Beach Gardens.

The Circle of Giving is a relationship-first philanthropic community. The Center brings together dedicated individuals who are ready to make a lasting difference for children and families across Palm Beach County. Its members are part of a movement that builds real relationships with CFCC’s leadership, see impact firsthand, and grow advocates for children’s mental health.

CFCC launched its Circle of Giving, chaired by Melissa Haley, in November 2023 to drive action and change. The Circle unites philanthropists, advocates, community leaders, and partners dedicated to advancing children’s mental health through meaningful investment and strategic action.

“Together, we turn awareness into tangible change and create lasting pathways to healing for children in our community. We aim to take action and drive advocacy toward a brighter future by forming a circle of love, protection, and healing around our community’s children,” stated Layman.

According to Haley, “The Circle is more than just giving. It’s the relationships, the learning, and the opportunity to see the work up close.”

With these goals in mind for 2026, Haley and the CFCC leadership team have focused on creating a more intentional experience for its members. In addition to giving tours of the new office space, CFCC premiered two new videos which feature the importance of their community partnerships and how they use data to inform their programs and services. Guests learned about how the Center partners with schools and organizations in the community to better serve children and families. CFCC brings its services directly on-site to community partners, such as Rohi’s Readery and Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center, to increase immediate access to care. The Center is also using a technology-driven approach to meet the adults and caregivers where they are. By using a robust Data Dashboard that collects real-time data, CFCC is able to intervene early in a child’s life to disrupt intergenerational cycles of abuse and trauma.

“We are bringing support directly to children and families who might not otherwise receive it. We are working to build a system that responds to children in a different way,” added Layman.

The next Circle of Giving event will take place on September 9, 2026, at CFCC’s Family Visitation Center. Guests will walk through the newly renovated center and witness firsthand the compassionate systems that surround vulnerable children and families.

For more information on the Center for Child Counseling and to be a part of a community that is committed to children and families, and to learning and growing together, visit centerforchildcounseling.org/givingcircle.

About Center for Child Counseling
Center for Child Counseling has been building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County since 1999. Its services focus on preventing and healing the effects of adverse experiences and toxic stress on children, promoting resiliency and healthy family, school, and community relationships. www.centerforchildcounseling.org Twitter: @ChildCounselPBC Facebook: @CenterforChildCounseling Instagram: @childcounselpbc

Your Child’s Brain Is Listening: How Everyday Moments Shape Who They Become

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org A Way of Being, Blog, Uncategorized June 20, 2026July 1, 2026

Parent and child connecting — Center for Child Counseling

A Way of Being with HOPE — Article 1

Your Child's Brain Is Listening

How everyday moments shape who they become

Renée Layman

President & CEO · HOPE Champion

June 2026

You probably don't think of yourself as a brain architect. But every time you comfort your crying toddler, sit down for dinner with your school-age child, or simply listen — really listen — to your teenager talk about their day, you are physically shaping the structure of their brain.

This isn't a metaphor. It's neuroscience.

Your Child's Brain Is Under Construction

A child's brain develops more rapidly in the first five years of life than at any other time. By age three, a child's brain has formed roughly 1,000 trillion neural connections — twice as many as an adult brain. These connections are the wiring that will support everything your child does for the rest of their life: how they learn, how they handle stress, how they form relationships, and how they recover from setbacks.

Here's the part that changes everything for parents: the experiences your child has determine which connections get strengthened and which ones fade away.

Think of it like paths through a forest. The paths that get walked frequently become clear and easy to travel. The paths that are neglected grow over. Your child's daily experiences — the routines, the conversations, the moments of comfort and connection — are carving the pathways their brain will rely on for decades.

It's Not About Being Perfect

If this feels like pressure, take a breath. The research is actually reassuring.

Your child doesn't need perfect moments. They need consistent, good-enough moments — what scientists call "serve and return" interactions. Your baby coos, and you coo back. Your child points at something, and you look together. Your teenager rolls their eyes, and you stay steady instead of shutting down.

These small, everyday exchanges tell your child's developing brain something profound: I am safe. I am seen. Someone is here.

At Center for Child Counseling, we call this A Way of Being with Children — not a set of techniques to memorize, but a way of showing up in relationship with the children in your life. It's grounded in decades of research into attachment science, brain development, and the HOPE framework.

The Science of Positive Experiences

For years, the conversation about children's well-being focused on what goes wrong. Adverse Childhood Experiences — or ACEs — became a powerful framework for understanding how trauma, neglect, and toxic stress can change a child's brain and health trajectory.

But the science has evolved. And the question has shifted from "What happened to you?" to something equally important: "What went right?"

The HOPE framework — Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences — developed by the HOPE National Resource Center at Tufts Medical Center, identifies four building blocks that actively promote healthy development and buffer against the effects of adversity:

The Four Building Blocks of HOPE

Relationships

Stable, caring adults who show up consistently

Environments

Spaces that feel physically and emotionally safe

Engagement

Activities that build belonging and connection

Emotional Growth

Skills to navigate challenges and relate with empathy

The remarkable finding is this: positive experiences don't just make children feel good in the moment. They change the biology. They build the neural pathways for resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. They create a buffer that helps children weather adversity — even when life gets hard.

What This Means for You

You don't need to overhaul your family life. You don't need to sign up for a program or read a stack of books. The most powerful thing you can do is pay attention to the moments that are already happening — and lean into them.

At breakfast

Put your phone down and make eye contact. Ask a question. Listen to the answer.

During a meltdown

Resist the urge to fix or lecture. Get down to your child's level, stay calm, and simply be present. Your regulated nervous system helps regulate theirs — a process called co-regulation.

At bedtime

Create a moment of connection. A story. A conversation about the best part of the day. A simple "I'm glad you're mine."

When things go wrong

Repair the rupture. Say "I'm sorry I yelled. That wasn't about you." Children don't need parents who never make mistakes. They need parents who come back and reconnect.

These moments are not small. They are building your child's brain. Every single one.

When Everyday Moments Aren't Enough

Sometimes, despite a parent's best efforts, a child needs more support. Anxiety that won't ease. Behavior that keeps escalating. Grief that lingers. Trauma that disrupts daily life.

That's what we're here for.

Center for Child Counseling provides therapy, prevention education, and family support across Palm Beach County — at our centers, in schools, in homes, and through our Mobile HOPE Unit. We meet families where they are, because we know that the most important work happens in the context of real life.

If you're wondering whether your child might need support, our "What Does My Child Need?" guided tool can help you find the right program or resource for your family.

The Bottom Line

Every parent is already shaping their child's brain. The question isn't whether your daily interactions matter — they do, profoundly. The question is whether you recognize just how powerful you already are.

You are your child's first therapist, first teacher, and first safe place. The way you show up — imperfectly, consistently, lovingly — is the foundation for everything that follows.

That's A Way of Being with Children. And it starts with you.

Explore More

A Way of Being with Children → HOPE Resource Hub → Tips & Exercises by Age → What Does My Child Need? → Download AWOB Tip Sheets → ACEs Toolkit →

Renée Layman

President & CEO · Center for Child Counseling · HOPE Champion

Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe & Supported

Whether you're looking for resources, seeking professional support, or simply trying to understand what your child is going through — we're here to help.

Find Support for Your Child → Request an Appointment →

Jibby Ciric Promoted to Chief Program Officer

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases June 16, 2026June 16, 2026Center for Child Counseling, Chief Program Officer, Jibby Ciric, Ljubica Ciric

NEWS RELEASE
June 9, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Jibby Ciric Promoted to Chief Program Officer of Center for Child Counseling

Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) announces the promotion of Ljubica “Jibby” Ciric, PsyD. to Chief Program Officer to help shape the overall direction of the agency. This executive role holds accountability for the vision, quality, and growth of all CFCC programs–spanning prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for children, families, and communities across Palm Beach County.

“I am delighted to share that Jibby will assume the role of Chief Program Officer. Having already held the leadership role as senior director, strategic impact for Center for Child Counseling, Jibby has earned the trust of our program directors and staff. She also brings deep clinical expertise and prior executive leadership as a former vice president at Community Partners. Her steady judgment and her commitment to our public health approach to children’s well-being make her an exceptional fit for this role. I have full confidence in her leadership of our program portfolio,” stated Renée Layman, chief executive officer of Center for Child Counseling.

In her new role, Ciric directly supervises CFCC’s program directors, leads strategic relationships with major funders and system partners, works in tandem with the Chief Quality Officer on program quality and continuous improvement, and serves as a member of the senior leadership team. This position plays a crucial role in supporting the Center’s mission to promote playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children, families, and communities.

“It has been a great honor and joy to be a part of CFCC’s mission and vision for more than two years. As I assume a new position alongside professionals I admire and aspire to be, I am grateful and fortunate to continue to make a meaningful impact on children and families,” commented Ciric.

###

FAU Honors CFCC as Employer of the Year

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases May 21, 2026Center for Child Counseling, chldren's mental health, Employer of the Year, FAU, Florida Atlantic University, Internship Program, Kelly Nielsen, nonprofit leadership

NEWS RELEASE
May 21, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) recently honored Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) as Employer of the Year at its 2026 Northern Campuses Awards Ceremony.

“This award honors the partnership we have established with the Center for Child Counseling and recognizes them for actively recruiting from FAU and for providing excellent learning opportunities for our students,” said Kelly Nielsen, assistant director of the Florida Atlantic Career Center.

The Center’s internship program is an immersive clinical experience where bachelor’s and master’s level students learn evidence-based and best practices and put that knowledge into practice. From CFCC’s play therapy rooms to schools and childcare centers across Palm Beach County, interns build the skills, confidence, and relationships that launch a career dedicated to children and families.

According to CFCC CEO Renée Layman,”This isn’t a program where you watch from the sidelines. We have been so fortunate to choose talented, passionate students from FAU who immediately become part of our team that is changing the trajectory of children’s lives across Palm Beach County.”

The undergraduate internship is designed for students who want to explore the world of children’s mental health, nonprofit leadership, and community impact. Master’s level students are immersed in hands-on therapeutic work with children, teens, and families. They earn clinical hours, receive expert supervision from registered play therapists and infant mental health specialists, and learn evidence-based practices across more than 30 community sites. Whether the student’s focus is clinical, creative, or organizational, they gain real-world experiences that shape their career direction.

For more information on the Center for Child Counseling, its internship program, or careers dedicated to making the difference in the lives of children and families, visit centerforchildcounseling.org/internship.

Click here to view the news release.

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CFCC Receives $100,000 Grant Through Morgan Stanley’s Field Philanthropy Program

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases May 8, 2026Center for Child Counseling, Eaton Vance U.S. Charitable Gift Trust, Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley's Field Philanthropy Program, Renee Layman, Vincent Colucci

NEWS RELEASE
May 8, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Center for Child Counseling Receives $100,000 Grant Through Morgan Stanley’s Field Philanthropy Program

Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) recently received a $100,000 grant from the Eaton Vance U.S. Charitable Gift Trust through the Morgan Stanley Field Philanthropy Program, an innovative partnership between Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management and Investment Management businesses that helps support high‑impact nonprofits in local communities.

The grant will support counseling, education, and community resources, advancing Center for Child Counseling’s mission to build the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living and strengthening outcomes across children, families, and communities in Palm Beach County.

“This generous support will help us provide the training and services that help children heal from adversity, build resilience, and thrive–while strengthening the adults and systems that surround and support them every day,” said Renée Layman, CEO of CFCC. “We’re deeply grateful to Morgan Stanley for prioritizing community‑driven philanthropy and for investing in work that’s truly making a difference locally.”

The Morgan Stanley Field Philanthropy Program enables Morgan Stanley Wealth Management employees to nominate nonprofit organizations that matter to their teams and their communities. Through this program, the West Palm Beach market identified organizations creating meaningful impact across key focus areas including education, healthcare, children, environment, arts, poverty and emergency relief. Selected nonprofits receive grants through Eaton Vance U.S. Charitable Gift Trust following a rigorous review and due‑diligence process.

“One of the most meaningful parts of working at Morgan Stanley is supporting organizations that matter to our team and our community,” said Vincent Colucci, market executive. “Through the Field Philanthropy Program, we’re proud to support Center for Child Counseling and help expand their impact.”

The nonprofits selected through the Field Philanthropy Program represent a wide range of missions and causes, reflecting Morgan Stanley’s long‑standing commitment to supporting resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities nationwide.

For more information about Center for Child Counseling, visit centerforchildcounseling.org.

About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services. The firm is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where its employees live and work through strategic philanthropy, volunteerism, and community engagement.

Click here to view the news release.

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Parenting Expert Practical, ‘No-Drama’ Ways to Rethink Discipline and Build Hope

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases April 17, 2026A Way of Being with Children, Center for Child Counseling, healthy outcomes positive experiences, HOPE framework, No-Drama Discipline, Tina Payne Bryson

NEWS RELEASE
April 17, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson shared her expertise on supporting children’s emotional growth at Center for Child Counseling’s 2026 Lead the Fight kickoff luncheon.

World-renowned parenting expert and clinician Dr. Tina Payne Bryson emphasized the “no-drama” way of disciplining children at Center for Child Counseling 2026 kick-off Lead the Fight luncheon on April 9, 2026, at The Breakers. 140 statewide leaders and community members left with practical, tangible knowledge of how to rethink discipline and support children’s emotional and relational development.

Dr. Bryson, a New York Times bestselling author, shared her expertise on responding to others with curiosity and looking at behavior as communication.

“When we invoke curiosity in our own brains, or in someone else’s brain–whether that’s a teacher, or a parent, or a kid–it activates the pre-frontal cortex and helps us be better problem-solvers, more empathetic, and more integrated in our brains, so we are less likely to be reactive,” explained Dr. Bryson.

She helped the audience understand that discipline does not have to be punitive, but it should teach and build skills.

“When we say ‘yes’ to a child, we can still say ‘no’ to a behavior…the reason we address childhood behaviors is because we are trying to build skills so that they become self-disciplined and they are good people who do the right thing, even when no one is looking.”

Dr. Bryson equated behavior to communication: “If we think about how behavior is communication, about what skills they don’t yet have, then it’s easy to figure out what to do in the name of discipline…we have to think about the struggles themselves as the opportunities.”

She gave the example of a child who blurts out in class every time before having to choose a group. While the teacher thought this child was being disrespectful and oppositional, the behavior stemmed from not having the appropriate skills to join peers. When taught how to ask “Can I join you,” the behavior stopped.

Since most of what is done in the name of discipline does not make a lot of sense, “we want to rethink what we are doing and why we’re doing it.”

Questions to consider when rethinking a discipline strategy, include: Does it build the relationship? Is the response counter-productive? Is it the right time? Is it building regulation and/or skills? Is the way I’m handling this moving the child closer to or further away from doing better next time?

She advised, “Pause before you respond to the behavior. Then ask, ‘Is the way I’m about to respond going to make it more likely they can do better the next time or not?’”

Dr. Bryson shared that the biggest predictor for how well kids turn out is that they have “secure attachment” to at least one person who gives them repeated experiences of feeling safe, seen, soothed, and secure.

She concluded, “When children are at their worst, that’s when they most need connection…it’s about relationship and safety first. Their relationship with you. What you do matters. And when you take that and combine it in rethinking challenging behaviors as opportunities to build skills and teach, we’re going to be building brains, building relationships, and generationally changing the world in ways it needs to be changed.”

Dr. Bryson’s transformative work aligns with Center for Child Counseling’s HOPE framework–healthy outcomes from positive experiences–which marks the foundation of everything CFCC does. The Center is not just responding to crisis, it is walking alongside children, families, schools, organizations, and congregations building hope throughout Palm Beach County: it serves as a nationally-recognized model for fighting ACEs (adverse childhood experiences).

At the luncheon, the Center formally announced the availability of its updated “A Way of Being with Children” manual–an early childhood curriculum grounded in trauma-informed and HOPE-informed care. The manuel is a practical, research-based resource for every adult who works or cares for children.

“A Way of Being with Children centers relationship and regulation, what matters most, and reminds us that how we are with children matters as much as what we do. Rooted in science, and rich with practical tools, it offers a shared and essential framework for parents and professionals supporting children ages 0–5,” endorsed Dr. Bryson.

CFCC’s Chief Executive Officer Renée Layman thanked Dr. Bryson for bringing her brilliance to Palm Beach County, “What you have given us is…a lens we now carry into every interaction we have with a child from this moment forward…We do not have to wait for a child to fall apart to start helping them. Prevention is cheaper than correction. HOPE is more powerful than despair…Thank you for being here. Thank you for leading the fight.”

Attendees left better equipped to foster connection, understanding, well-being, and HOPE in children, families, and communities.

The event was chaired by Kathy Leone and emceed by WPTV 5’s Ashley Glass. Donors and corporate sponsors that made this important conversation possible include: The Breakers Palm Beach, Searcy Law, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Keating Moore Construction, Sage View, WPTV 5, Stephens & Stevens Marital & Family Law, Valley Bank, Kathy Leone, Jodie & Jeff Petrone, and a visionary family foundation.

CFCC’s Fighting ACEs initiative to build trauma-informed communities is made possible with the generous support of Quantum Foundation, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and private donors.

For more information on CFCC and how it is bringing science, compassion, and community together to prevent adversity, strengthen resilience, and build a safer, healthier future for children and families, visit: centerforchildcounseling.org/leadthefight.

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Sending your child to camp? Ask these questions first.

Cara Hansen beKidSafe, Blog, Fighting ACEs PBC, KidSafe, Latest News, News Releases April 15, 2026April 15, 2026bekidsafe, CampSafe, Center for Child Counseling, Cherie Benjsoseph, sexual abuse pevention, summer camp

Op-Ed
April 15, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Sending your child to camp? Ask these questions first.

By: Cherie Benjoseph, LCSW, Center for Child Counseling director of national outreach and education and creator of the CampSafe® curriculum.

If you could go back to any age, what would it be? For me, it’s easy—I think of my incredible summers at sleepaway camp, starting at age eight. Those experiences were formative, joyful, and unforgettable. I’m a strong supporter of day and residential camp—provided that camp is properly vetted for safety. That’s where you come in.

Are you considering the big step of sending your child to camp for a week, a month, or even an entire summer? Maybe you’re looking at a camp you attended as a child, one recommended by a friend, or one you discovered online. With so many choices, how do you get the answers you really need?

Before making a decision, take a step back. Look beyond glossy websites and highlight reels. Ask yourself: Does this camp truly prioritize safety? And not just physical safety like swimming or sports—but emotional and interpersonal safety as well.

At the Center for Child Counseling, our mission is to empower children and families with lifelong skills—so kids can spread their wings with confidence, and parents can feel secure knowing their children are prepared to navigate challenges. Camp—whether day or overnight—can be an incredible part of that growth.

When researching camps, it’s natural to focus on your child’s interests: sports, theater, horseback riding, STEM, culinary arts, or even location and religious affiliation. These factors matter—but they shouldn’t overshadow the most important question: Is this a safe environment for my child?

Think of choosing a camp the same way you would vet a potential employee. Don’t assume camps are doing thorough screening—ask the tough questions.

What Every Parent Should Ask Before Choosing a Camp

Meet the camp director.
This is the person responsible for your child’s well-being. Meet in person or via video. Ask:

How is staff recruited?
What does the screening process include?
Are references checked and employment histories verified?
What is staff retention like from year to year?

Confirm comprehensive background checks.
Does the camp conduct national fingerprint-based criminal background checks? Basic checks alone may not reflect thorough vetting.

Verify screening through the National Sex Offender Registry.
This should apply to everyone on-site—counselors, administrative staff, dining personnel, maintenance, and more.

Review the Child Protection Policy.
Ask for a copy. This policy should clearly outline:

Codes of conduct
Policies on sexual misconduct
Procedures for reporting and responding to concerns

Ask about staff training.
Staff should be trained in:

Sexual abuse prevention, intervention, and reporting
Bullying prevention and response
Recognizing and addressing physical and emotional abuse

Understand supervision practices.
How are staff monitored and supported while they are responsible for campers?

Know the reporting procedures.
If a camper or staff member has a concern, how is it reported? What follow-up steps are taken?

Confirm state licensing.
Is the camp licensed? Request documentation.

Look for accreditation.
Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association? Ask to see proof of certification.

Having these conversations will help you determine whether a camp offers more than just fun activities and good food—it will show you whether it is grounded in professionalism, accountability, and a genuine commitment to child safety.

The Center for Child Counseling specializes in training adults who work with children in camp settings. If you’re considering a specific camp, ask whether it is CampSafe® trained. If not, you can share more information with them at: bekidsafe.org/camps.

When it comes to your child, peace of mind should not be optional—it should be part of the package.

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