Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy is now provided for free and in-home for pre and post-adoptive and kinship families in New Jersey, NY, USA.
This pioneering ‘AKLG Clinical Services’ program is provided by Children’s Aid and Family Services, a Paramus-based nonprofit, and supported by State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
It has been spearheaded by Leah Crane Psy.D. and Courtney Rennicke, Ph.D., both Clinical Psychologists and DDP Practitioners, Consultants and Trainers. They worked with Jo Ponticello, LCSW, Vice President of Children’s Services at Children’s Aid, to train, support and supervise staff.
“Courtney and I have been working for almost a year to provide training and support implementing DDP to Children’s Aid and Family Services supported by DCF of New Jersey” Leah writes. “Clinicians began seeing clients in January. It has been striking to see the clinician’s confidence grow as they are now utilizing the model with families. At the same time, we are beginning to hear feedback from families that affirms the amazing work these clinicians are doing and the potential for DDP within these settings.”
The program has been “designed to be a collaboration between families and therapists
and to provide support for adoptive parents or caregivers that may struggle or need guidance to manage their children’s behaviors and emotionally connect with them.”
Shavonda E. Sumter, President and CEO says “…we are excited about the addition of this new service as we support families in their growth together.”
This is wonderful news for the families in New Jersey and we hope the program not only thrives but also inspires others to bring DDP to children who have experienced developmental trauma in their own areas.
For more information about the program and Children’s Aid and Family Services please contact the AKLG program coordinator at aklgsupport@cafsnj.org or by phone on 551-224-2711.
You can read the full press release here.
