1. Family Reconnection Norweeta G. Milburn, Ph.D.
UCLA, DPBH Nathanson Family Resilience Center
Mary Ann Haley, Ph.D.
CT Coalition to End Homelessness
Susana Lopez, Ph.D.
UCLA , DPBH Nathanson Family Resilience Center
Josh Fisher
CT Department of Children and Families - Region 2

2. Affiliations & Support
UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior Nathanson Family Resilience Center
Division of Population Behavioral Health Department of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles
Supported by grants from NIMH MH61185, MH70322, and MH080664, NIMHD P20MD000182, and NIDA DA
Presentation at the UCLA Homelessness Conference, Los Angeles, CA: May 24, 2018.

3. Why is Family Important?

4. Family Conflict: Happens in All Families
“It might be said that family conflict causes youth homelessness.” (Mallett et al., 2009)
“Severe family conflict is the most common reason for a young person to be homeless.” (Bardine, National Network for Youth)

5. Family Reunification is “New-ish”
Family-Based Interventions
Study
Intervention
Slesnick et al. (2005, 2009)
Ecologically-based family therapy (EBFT)
15 – 16 sessions (50 minutes)
Slesnick et al. (2009)
Functional family therapy (FFT)
16 sessions
(50 minutes)
Milburn et al. (2012)
Behavioral family intervention (STRIVE)
5 sessions
(60 – 90 minutes)
References = 15,995
References = 12
Family-based interventions = 3
“Gaining parents’ trust, working with – not against – parents (Urban Institute, 2016).”

6. STRIVE: Support to Reunite, Involve and Value Each Other
Family-Based Intervention (5 Sessions) Built Upon:
Family Strengths
Problem Solving
Conflict Negotiation
Role Clarification
Intervention Core Elements and Tools
Affirmation
(Tokens)
Emotional Regulation
(Feeling
Thermometer, FTD)
Problem Solving (SMART)
Negotiation
Situation Analysis (Reframing, Role Playing)
Support System

7. STRIVE Comes to Connecticut!8
Coordinated Access Networks (CANs)
1 statewide system 2
Continuums of Care (CoCs)
Evidence-based model
Recommended by HHS and Urban Institute
Shorter term and cost-effective
Trained STRIVE specialists in every CAN region
Fits in with expansion of diversion and best practices for youth coordinated entry
Many benefits to both youth and families
Additional tool for coordinated entry and shelter staff
Can be used by child welfare, juvenile justice, schools
Waterbury/Litchfield YETI
Northeast
YETI
Greater Hartford
YETI
Balance of State
CoC
Central
YETI
Fairfield County
YETI
Middlesex Meriden Wallingford YETI
Southeast
YETI
Opening Doors Fairfield County CoC
Greater New Haven YETI
4,396 homeless or unstably housed youth in CT
An estimated 1,432 are homeless and 2,756 are unstably housed.
2017 Youth Count
Connecticut has 8 YETIs

8. Partnering Opportunities in CT: Integrating STRIVE into Child Welfare
Housing Resolution
Schools
Child Welfare
Criminal Justice System
Social Service Agencies
Outreach and Homeless Services
Early Childhood Providers
Hospitals

9. Challenges and Successes
What Next?

10. Thank You