Devereux Adult Resilience Survey (DARS)
The DARS is a 23-item reflective checklist that provides adults with information about their personal strengths. Each item on the DARS relates to thoughts and behaviors that have been shown to support resilience. These items are categorized as:
- Relationships: The mutual, long-lasting, back-and-forth bond we have with another person in our lives.
- Internal Beliefs: The feelings and thoughts we have about ourselves and our lives, and how effective we think we are at taking action in life.
- Initiative: The ability to make positive choices and decisions and act upon them.
- Self-Control: The ability to experience a range of feelings, and express them using the words and actions that society considers appropriate.
Information from the DARS can be used to help adults build on their identified strengths, so that they are better able to cope with stress and the challenges of caring for young children.
Building Your Bounce: Simple Strategies for a Resilient You
Research confirms the critical connection between the health and well-being of children and the adults caring for them. Because of this important link, it is essential that adults take care of themselves so that they are able to provide high-quality care to the children in their lives. This book is designed to meet adults where they are and take them to a place of greater strength and determination. Through reflective readings, activities, journaling and written responses, this book will uncover strategies for strengthening the four areas related to resilience (mentioned above).
The strategies suggested in this resource correspond to the reflective statements that comprise the Devereux Adult Resilience Survey (DARS). This resource can be used by educators, teachers, parents and any adult looking to support their own resilience.
Best booklet on adult resilience that I have seen. The resource is well-organized and offers a good reading level for clients and caregivers.
Building Your Bounce Self-Paced Online Course
Teachers, parents, and all adults who educate and care for young children are invited to join Dr. Nefertiti Poyner, Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer with the Devereux Center for Resilient Children, on a journey of discovering strategies that promote adult resilience. This self-paced learning experience shines a light on how adults who prioritize their own well-being have a greater capacity to provide the kind of high-quality care that young children deserve.
DARS Diary
Your DARS Diary is not just a notebook; it is a companion on your path to resilience. At its heart is the Devereux Adult Resilience Survey (DARS), a powerful reflective tool that we are suggesting you use up to six times a year (every other month). This tool will help you reflect upon your current behaviors related to resilience, identify areas of strength, and pinpoint areas where you can focus your efforts for growth.
Building Your Bounce Resource Kit
This kit includes a variety of resources designed to support your resilience-building journey! In each kit, you’ll find a copy of Building Your Bounce: Simple Strategies for a Resilient You, a DARS Diary, two “breathing reminder” bracelets, Building Your Bounce stickers, and Building Your Bounce display cards.
Devereux Resilient Leadership Survey (DERLS)
The Devereux Resilient Leadership Survey (DERLS) is a 23-item, research-informed checklist that helps professionals reflect on behaviors associated with resilient leadership. Organized around four key protective factors – Relationships, Internal Beliefs, Initiative and Self-Control – this tool can provide wonderful insight for leaders around areas of strength and growth opportunities.
Education and social service programs that support children and families provide invaluable services. The quality of services is largely dependent on the skill level, commitment and leadership of the staff. In order to promote high quality services, leaders need resources that promote the well-being and resilience of the entire team, including their staff and themselves. Effective leaders are always open to learning and growing their own skills. We invite you to use the DERLS to reflect on your resilient leadership behaviors, and use the data to inform and strengthen your leadership skills.
