PORTLAND, ME – Rockland-based Island Institute will join Lives in the Balance for "What Kids Need Now,” a free evening conversation with internationally recognized child psychologist Dr. Ross Greene, Ph.D. on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at Holiday Inn By The Bay in Portland. Greene is the New York Times bestselling author of the influential books Raising Human Beings, The Explosive Child, Lost & Found, and Lost at School.

During this important discussion for educators, parents, and our communities, Dr. Greene will highlight the following:

  • Issues facing all kids but especially those with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges;
  • How he and his team at Lives in the Balance are changing things for the better in families, schools, and therapeutic facilities; and
  • How to help all kids partner more effectively with their caregivers to navigate a highly complicated, pressurized world.

The evening will also feature the first-time viewing of the extended trailer for the forthcoming documentary, The Kids We Lose, being produced by Lives in the Balance and Lone Wolf Media to heighten awareness of these issues and create an impetus for change.

Dr. Greene served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for over 20 years and is now the founding director of the nonprofit organization Lives in the Balance. His model, now called Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), has revolutionized the treatment of vulnerable kids in a vast array of settings. In families, the CPS model has achieved the "gold standard" as an empirically supported treatment, while in schools, the model has been effective at dramatically reducing detentions, suspensions, and discipline referrals. In inpatient units, the model has also dramatically reduced the use of restraint and locked-door seclusion, and in juvenile detention facilities, the CPS model has dramatically reduced recidivism, staff and resident injuries, and the use of solitary confinement. The model has now been extended to all kids (and even adults), all of whom need to be engaged in solving the problems that affect their lives.

This special event is free and open to the public, although space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Donations will also gratefully be accepted at registration or at the door. For more information, or to register, contact Yvonne Thomas, Education Specialist at the Island Institute, at ythomas@islandinstitute.org or visit http://www.islandinstitute.org/what-kids-need-now.

For more information on Dr. Greene, visit http://drrossgreene.com or https://www.livesinthebalance.org.