Conn. project to help traumatized kids

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut's Department of Children and Families is working with Yale University and a children's public policy organization to develop a new program to help children in state care who've experienced trauma in their lives.

The effort by DCF, Yale and the Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut is being funded by a five-year, $3.2 million federal grant. They are scheduled today to give more details at a news conference at the state Capitol.

Connecticut is one five states chosen to receive funding to expand its services for children who've been traumatized from events such as abuse and neglect, witnessing violence in their homes and communities, or by being removed from their families.

A DCF spokesman says one of Commissioner Joette Katz's top priorities is focusing on how trauma affects children.