Focusing on Highly Vulnerable Populations
This track will emphasize creative solutions for identifying and engaging youth and innovative ideas for programmatic solutions to help youth thrive in their environment.
Workshop A:
Pragmatic and Creative Responses to the Opioid Crisis in Connecticut
All of our systems are confronted by the impact of opioids on families. Connecticut saw an increase in the number of fatal drug overdoses with 1038 in 2017 compared to 917 in 2016. This panel will highlight practical innovations addressing CT’s opioid crisis, from the statewide push for Naloxone Access to a pilot “Coordinated Access” network for recovery resources based in part on CT’s homeless response system. The leaders featured on this panel share a focus on effective and life-saving interventions.
Presenters: Carol Jones, Jeanne Milstein, Jennifer Muggeo, and Shawn Lang
Presentation: Pragmatic and Creative Responses to the Opioid Crisis in CT
Workshop B:
Exploring the intersections of Sexual and Domestic Violence and Homelessness
Experiencing trauma and violence can be both a precursor of homelessness and can increase the potential risk of becoming a victim of violence when homeless. This workshop will explore the ways that Connecticut residents who are homeless or have unstable housing are likely to be survivors of multiple traumas, and how being homeless may increase the likelihood that someone will experience sexual and domestic violence, especially women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ people. Maintaining safe and affordable housing can be a particular challenge for survivors of sexual and domestic violence who are impacted by trauma, economic insecurity, and a lack of resources. The workshop will also offer an overview of existing sexual and domestic violence services in the state and how to make informed referrals in order to strengthen providers’ responses to survivors of violence.
Presenters: Kelly Annelli and Elise Delacruz
Presentation: Exploring Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Homelessness
Workshop C:
Human Trafficking in Connecticut
From sex trafficking within illicit massage businesses to labor trafficking of domestic workers, the ways humans are exploited differ greatly. Each type of trafficking has unique strategies for recruiting and controlling victims, and concealing the crime. This workshop will discuss the various types of trafficking known to take place in Connecticut, trafficker profiles, recruitment strategies, victim profiles, and methods of control that facilitate human trafficking. Participants will learn techniques for engaging potential victims and Connecticut specific resources for support and referral.
Presenters: Jillian Gilchrest, MSW
Presentation: Human Trafficking in Connecticut