Spotlight on Adoption and Kinship Legal Guardianship (AKLG) Clinical Services

Access to compassionate, effective therapy can be life-changing for families. In this newsletter, we are highlighting the meaningful work of the AKLG Clinical Services program, which supports families across New Jersey. Through insights from Program Directors, Clinicians, and families, we take a closer look at this program and the difference it makes. NJ ARCH sat down and interviewed AKLG Directors and Clinicians.

Q&A with Program Directors and Clinicians

Q: What makes this program different from traditional therapy models?

A: Unlike traditional therapy where the focus is primarily on the child, this model begins with caregivers. Program Directors emphasize that rather than focusing on “fixing” the behaviors, the model helps caregivers understand and work with what’s driving the child’s behavior. Raising a child with loss, broken attachments, and trauma is really hard, often times exhausting, leaving caregivers feeling burned out, and burdened by feelings of shame and inadequacy. The AKLG program shifts the narrative by helping caregivers understand their child’s trauma and provides therapeutic support to strengthen their ability to build empathy and ultimately trust and connection with their child.

Q: What impact have you seen?

A: Program directors have seen caregivers depersonalize challenging behaviors, increase their confidence, and respond with greater empathy and connection. This shift has brought deeper connection for many families. For many caregivers, it’s the first time they truly feel heard and supported.

Q: What does a typical session look like?

A:  Sessions take place in the home or sometimes in the community and are designed to be flexible for the families’ needs. Clinicians may meet with caregiver(s) alone or caregiver(s) and children together, depending on the family’s needs and readiness. Sessions are two hours every week for about a year. While the program does require a commitment, there is flexibility and clinicians accommodate the family’s schedule.

Q: What would you say to families who are hesitant about therapy?

A:  Clinicians address caregivers’ hesitation with validation. “Trying something different can be hard!” Clinicians reported that many caregivers have said that they were surprised by how different this experience feels than other services, systems, and therapies. It’s a space where caregivers and families feel safe, supported, and free from judgement. Often times caregivers look forward to the weekly session.

If you live in NJ, your children are under 20 years of age and placed with your family through NJ’s Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), you may be eligible for free counseling. For more information, contact the program coordinator at 551-224-2711 or e-mail AKLGprogram@cafsnj.org