Pilot Program Aims To Deter Kids Affected By Violence From Crime

NEWINGTON, CT — Newington is among three Connecticut municipalities working with the New Britain State's Attorney's Office on a program designed to help children impacted by trauma, violence and abuse.

Called "State's Attorney's Violence Eradication and Disruption" (aka SAVED), the initiative aims to provide children in need with treatment services and information. Officials hope it will mitigate the long-term effects of trauma and prevent crime down the line.

"We understand that exposure to trauma in childhood increases the risk of negative outcomes in adulthood including substance abuse, mental health problems and involvement in the criminal justice system," New Britain State's Attorney Brian Preleski said. "What we are trying to do is work with our local and state partners to ensure that children exposed to trauma, whether it be domestic violence, sexual violence or psychological abuse, are given the coping skills and support they need to effectively deal with that trauma."

The program involves school resource officers and other local officials identifying children who have been affected by violence and providing them with appropriate resources, officials from the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) said.

Officials said it will be critical to "breaking the multi-generational cycles" of violence, substance abuse and involvement in the criminal justice system.

DCJ officials called it the "most forward-looking prevention-focused program ever initiated" by the department.

Currently a pilot program, SAVED will run through June 30, during which time officials will collect program data and metrics needed to get funding to continue the program beyond June, the DCJ said.

"This is a forward-looking program because, quite frankly, what you're not going to see are immediate results," Preleski said in announcing the initiative, as reported by the New Britain Herald. "What our hope is, is that five and 10 and 15 years down the road, we're going to see a change by sensitizing the parents and adults in these kids' lives by following up with them and by connecting them with the services they need to better cope with the trauma that they’ve experienced in their communities."

The cities of New Britain and Bristol are also participating in the program.