Attachment theory is a frame of reference to examine relationships. At Haven we view all of our work as attachment-based - with families, students, and with each other. For our students who have experienced trauma and insecure relationships, the focus on the conditions for secure and strong relationships to flourish is essential to building the connections at the heart of the Haven community.

There are 4 types of attachment:

• Secure Attachment: Caregivers are consistent and appropriate. They provide a reliable foundation for children during times of stress.

• Resistant/Ambivalent: Caregivers are neglectful and inconsistent causing child to display heightened alarmed behaviors to gain attention

• Avoidant Attachment: Caregiver discourages emotional expression and rarely responds to child. Child minimally responds to stimuli.

• Disorganized Attachment: Caregivers behave confusingly: negative, withdrawn, intrusive, frightening. Children behave inconsistently with circumstances.

Throughout every part of the Haven school model, we strive to create a consistent and reliable foundation for students. Some of the ways that we accomplish this is through use of common empathy-based language, a consistent positive behavior systems, and logical consequences.