Case Study: Supporting a Young Boy from Dysfunctional Home

Background

J, an 8-year-old boy in primary school, was struggling with severely dysregulated behaviours. His family life was deeply affected by his parents' substance abuse problems, leading to a chaotic and unstable home environment. Social services were actively involved, but the turmoil at home was visibly impacting J's behaviour and emotional well-being at school.

Initial Concerns

J’s teachers noticed a pattern of connection-seeking through challenging behaviours. He would frequently act out, show signs of anger, and disrupt the classroom. Despite various efforts, the school struggled to manage J's dysregulated behaviour and support his emotional needs.

Intervention: Alternative Provision (AP)

Recognising the need for specialised support, the school sought the assistance of an Alternative Provision (AP) centre, Keane Futures, known for its expertise in emotional regulation. The objective was to help J manage his emotions and build his self-esteem which subsequently would reduce the challenging behaviours.

Strategy and Implementation

Zones of Regulation: Keane Futures introduced J to the Zones of Regulation framework. This approach helped him identify and understand his emotions by categorising them into four coloured zones. Through this method, J learned to recognise when he was feeling angry, sad, anxious, or calm, and understand that these feelings were manageable.

Anger Management Techniques: Keane Futures provided J with practical strategies to cope with his anger. These included deep-breathing exercises, counting to ten, and engaging in physical activities like jumping jacks or using a stress ball. These techniques were designed to help J de-escalate his anger and regain control in challenging situations.

Self-Esteem Building: To counteract the negative impacts of his home environment, Keane Futures focused on boosting J’s self-esteem - involving him in activities where he could experience success and positive reinforcement. This included creative arts, sports, and small group projects where J could take on leadership roles.

Consistent Emotional Support: J received regular one-on-one sessions with a trained counsellor at Keane Futures. These sessions provided a safe space for him to express his feelings, discuss his home life, and work through his challenges with a trusted adult.

Outcomes

The targeted support provided by Keane Futures led to significant improvements in J’s behaviour and emotional well-being. Over time, he developed healthier ways to express his emotions and a more positive self-image. Improved Emotional Regulation: J became adept at using the Zones of Regulation to identify and manage his emotions. He was able to recognise when he was entering the "red zone" of intense anger and use his coping strategies to calm himself down.

Reduced Challenging Behaviours: With consistent support and new techniques to manage his anger, J's dysregulated behaviours decreased markedly. He became more engaged in classroom activities and started participating positively.

Enhanced Self-Esteem: The activities and positive reinforcement at Keane Futures helped J build confidence in his abilities. He began to see himself as capable and valued, which was reflected in his improved attitude towards learning.

Better Social Interactions: As J’s self-esteem improved, so did his interactions with peers and teachers. He formed positive relationships and was better able to communicate his needs without resorting to dysregulated, connection-seeking behaviours.

Conclusion

J's case highlights the critical role of alternative provision in addressing complex emotional issues stemming from a challenging home environment. By utilising the Zones of Regulation and providing targeted anger management strategies and self-esteem building activities, Keane Futures were able to support J in transforming his emotional health. This case underscores the importance of a holistic, individualised approach to help children like J thrive despite their difficult circumstances.