Trauma-Informed Behaviour Analysis in Residential Care: Marissa Del Vecchio on Prevent-Teach-Reinforce, Foster Care, and Compassionate Practice
Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman
In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Marissa Del Vecchio, Ph.D., joins host Ben Reiman to discuss trauma-informed care, residential treatment settings, and how behaviour analysts can better support vulnerable youth. Drawing from her doctoral research at the University of South Florida, Marissa explores adaptations to the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model, the importance of collaboration, and practical ways behaviour analysts can incorporate trauma-informed principles while remaining within scope of practice.
The conversation explores foster care, residential services, staff burnout, treatment integrity, social validity, organizational culture, and the growing need for behaviour analysts to expand beyond traditional autism-focused service delivery. Marissa also shares lessons learned from working with youth who have experienced trauma and discusses how compassionate, person-centred care can improve both behavioural and quality-of-life outcomes.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZJJnz6_uu44
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Related Behaviour Speak Episodes
Today's conversation connects with several previous Behaviour Speak episodes that explore child welfare, foster care, residential services, and trauma-informed applications of behaviour analysis.
Episode 40
Applications of Behaviour Science to Foster Care, Runaways, the Unhoused and Bullying with Kimberly Crosland
Marissa discusses the significant influence of Dr. Crosland on her professional development, making this an ideal companion episode and the most natural starting point for listeners who want additional context on the research lineage and behavioural applications within child welfare systems.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-40-applications-of-behaviour-science-to-foster-care-runaways-the-unhoused-and-bullying-with-kimberly-crosland-phd-bcba-d/
Episode 135
Addressing Human Trafficking with Behaviour Analysis
During the conversation, Marissa discusses the work of Arturo Garcia, another former student of Kimberly Crosland, whose research focuses on applying behaviour analysis to issues related to human trafficking and vulnerable populations. This episode provides additional insight into that work and the broader impact of behaviour science beyond traditional service settings.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-135-addressing-human-trafficking-with-behavior-analysis/
Episode 211
The Florida Child Welfare Behavior Analysis Services Program with Han Leong Goh
This episode explores the development of behaviour analytic services within Florida's child welfare system, a topic that closely aligns with Marissa's discussion of residential treatment programs, foster care services, and behavioural supports for youth experiencing significant adversity.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-211-the-florida-child-welfare-behavior-analysis-services-program-with-han-leong-goh-phd-bcba-d-lba/
Episode 206
Autistic Youth in Foster Care with Arthur Hairston
Marissa discusses residential settings, group homes, and the experiences of youth receiving intensive services. This episode complements that discussion by focusing on autistic youth in foster care and group home environments, highlighting many of the same systems-level challenges and opportunities for behavioural support.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-206-autistic-youth-in-foster-care-with-arthur-hairston-med-bcba/