Operation Compassion Philippines, Inc. (OCP), together with the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, launched the Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) training program on September 20, 2025 at Treehaus, New Manila, Quezon City. The event catered to prospective adoptive and foster parents, as well as their children, under the care of assigned social workers and were facilitated by TBRI-certified Practitioner, Ms. Maria Isabel Tica, RSW.

The TBRI® framework was developed in the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University by Drs. Karyn Purcis and Davis Cross. The framework is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention focused on the principles of connecting, empowering and correcting to cater to the attachment needs and behavior of vulnerable children. The framework, while designed for children who have witnessed and experienced trauma, toxic stress, and/or early harm, has been beneficial for children of all backgrounds and natures as it creates and fosters a holistic approach to caregiving. 

The session held by OCP introduced the first module of the TBRI® curriculum, with seven more to be conducted and taught in the remaining months of 2025 and in early 2026. Short interactive courses were put into practice in order to facilitate participation and application and in consideration of the varying schedules and responsibilities of the participating parents and guardians. The lessons were held at safe, child-friendly spaces to develop the full participation of the parents and guardians present.

“The TBRI session was highly valuable not only for us as parents but also for the teachers,” shared Mike and Michelle, participants of the session. They expressed their intent to integrate the intervention techniques in their school and said they look forward to attending and completing the remaining sessions.

Meanwhile, participants Rica and Gerard shared that although they already had some prior knowledge, the session opened their eyes to many new insights and learnings. They expressed that the training equipped and prepared them for the arrival of their little one through adoption and conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to Operation Compassion Philippines for this meaningful opportunity.