HALO Program Interest Form


The HALO Program is a 10-week intensive counseling initiative for foster and adoptive families, developed by Cindy Lee from the HALO Project in Oklahoma City. The program offers cohorts for families with children ages 5–12 years old. HALO concepts are based on TBRI with permission from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development from TCU.

Please note that only one child per family can participate in the program. By asking caregivers to focus on the needs of one child, skills are best developed and can be applied to others in the home.

The program activities are divided into three key categories:

  1. Trauma Education Classes (TEC): Caregivers participate in 10 weeks of Trauma Education Classes. Classes are limited to 6 family units, and each class is 2 hours in duration. Classes teach connecting, empowering, and correcting principles and rely heavily on TBRI®, experiential exercises, group discussion, and role-play. 
  2. Kids Club: Children participate in HALO Kids Club once a week for 10 weeks. HALO Kids Club occurs at the same time as the Trauma Education Classes for the caregivers. Each child is paired with a buddy, who is a volunteer member of the community with a heart for children from hard places. Activities are designed to teach feelings expression, self-regulation, and life value terms associated with TBRI®.
  3. Family Therapy Sessions: Caregivers and the child participate in family therapy sessions with our partners at various private mental health services once a week for 10 weeks (and additional weeks if needed). These sessions focus on teaching connection through child-led play using the TBRI® Connecting Principles, problem-solving-specific behaviors, and role-playing TBRI® skills learned in class. In addition, trauma processing through the use of storytelling, play therapy, and providing education and life books is also included.
Over the course of 10 weeks each family receives 50 hours of therapy: 
  • 20 hours of group therapy for caregivers
  • 20 hours of group therapy for children
  • 10 hours of individual therapy for each family
To be admitted, families must commit to the full 10-week program. It is highly recommended that caregivers complete the “Making Sense of Your Worth” course before admission. 

Due to the kindness of foundations and donors there is no cost for the TEC classes and teen group. Family Therapy Sessions will be billed through insurance (including SD Medicaid) whenever possible. We are committed to making the HALO Program affordable for everyone. If financial concerns are preventing you from starting the program, please let us know.

Current Program Dates: 
  • Ages 5 - 7: Jan. 5 - March 9, 2026
    • Mondays from 6:00-8:00 PM
  • Ages 8-12: June 29-August 31
    • Mondays from 6-8pm