debor016

For years there has been a national trend towards moving children out of residential centers, and building up community treatment options so children can live in families. In Connecticut we have been moving in this direction for a long time. Recently our new Commissioner has accelerated the progress. She is determined to change residential completely, and eliminate most of it. To this end, my agency Klingberg Family Centers is in the process of closing our residential treatment center and developing new community options. If you would like to know more about our process, you can find it at: http://traumaticstressinstitute.org/2012/01/klingberg-family-centers-shifts-services/ I wonder if it is possible for all children to live in families, especially those with long trauma histories. Many of our children have been in 16 foster homes or more. They don’t trust families. They have learned to guard their hearts. Professional care gives them the chance to get close to people at their own spe...

As I look back over 2011 I remember many wonderful experiences. I was so surprised and honored to be chosen CT NASW Social Worker of the year. I was also delighted to participate in a round table discussion at the UConn School of Social Work that was later featured in the UConn Alumni magazine. That caused even people I swim with to congratulate me! I presented at some wonderful conferences. The Vermont foster care annual conference comes to mind- amazing to find my name on a program with Bruce Perry, and great to hear his presentation. I also remember the ATTATCh conference, the Health Care for the Homeless training, and my wonderful visit to CALO (during which I had no voice). Participation in the Carter Center Mental Health Symposium was a great honor and extremely valuable. I also taught some wonderful Risking Connection basic trainings and Train the Trainer events, Largely due to the efforts of my colleague Steve Brown, 2011 was the year we entered electronic teaching and started ...