The evidence is in and it's powerful.
Little Warriors is proud to announce that our latest research has been published in PLOS ONE, one of the world's leading peer-reviewed scientific journals. The study examines treatment outcomes for 201 graduates of the Be Brave Ranch and adds meaningful weight to the growing body of evidence supporting trauma-informed, specialized treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced child sexual abuse.
The findings speak for themselves.
Across every outcome measured, for both children and adolescents, participants showed significant improvement following treatment at the Be Brave Ranch. Children experienced a 30% decrease in PTSD symptoms, a 25% reduction in depression, and a 20% reduction in anxiety. Adolescents saw even greater gains, with reductions of more than 35% across PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Perhaps most significantly, suicidality among adolescent participants decreased by 44% over the course of treatment.
These are not just numbers. Behind every percentage point is a child who sleeps a little easier, an adolescent who finds their way back to hope, a family breathing again.
"Behind every data point in this study is a real child who came to us carrying something no child should ever have to carry. These findings tell us that with the right care, in the right environment, children and adolescents can heal. That is why evidence-based treatment isn't just important, it's everything." - Dr. Wanda Polzin Holman, CEO, Little Warriors
The research also identified key factors that may help predict when children and youth require additional support, findings that will continue to shape and strengthen the care we provide at the Be Brave Ranch.
At Little Warriors, we have always believed that every child deserves access to evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment. This publication is proof that specialized care works, and that investing in children's healing creates outcomes that last a lifetime.