From Dec. 10–12, the Natchitoches Parish School Board (NPSB), in partnership with the Louisiana Supreme Court Families in Need of Services (FINS) Assistance Program, hosted a three-day Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training aimed at strengthening support systems for children who have experienced trauma.
Held at the Natchitoches Parish School Board, the training brought together a wide range of child-serving professionals, including educators, judges, FINS officers, court staff, law enforcement, probation and truancy officers, and community partners.
Participants engaged in in-depth sessions focused on understanding trauma, applying TBRI’s connecting, empowering, and correcting principles, implementing sensory strategies, and using role-play scenarios to support positive outcomes in both school and court settings.
The training emphasized recognizing the needs behind challenging behaviors and responding in ways that build safety, trust, and connection—key components of trauma-informed practice. A featured session, “TBRI in the Courtroom,” highlighted how these approaches can improve interactions and outcomes within the judicial system.
“By uniting multiple agencies, this event strengthened collaboration across systems and reaffirmed our shared commitment to helping every child reach their full potential through consistent, relationship-centered care,” said NPSB Superintendent Grant Eloi.
The event was organized by Anita DuBois, 10th Judicial and Natchitoches City Court FINS Officer, whose leadership helped coordinate agencies and partners from across the region to ensure a meaningful and impactful training experience.
NPSB extends sincere appreciation to the Louisiana Supreme Court FINS Assistance Program and all presenters, including Bobbye Mathews II, ReShonn Saul, Lucinda Miles, and Captain Garrett Murchison, for their expertise and dedication. Special thanks are also extended to District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, Judge Desiree Dyess, Former Chief Judge David Matlock, and community vendors Gingerbread House, Volunteers for Youth Justice, and Rehab Services of Cenla for their support.
Through partnerships like this, NPSB continues to invest in professional learning that equips educators and community leaders with practical tools to reduce barriers, strengthen relationships, and better serve students and families across Natchitoches Parish.
