Christopher Friar
Clinical Director of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Program, Capitol Region Educational Council
Chris Friar is a Clinical Psychologist with a passion for working with children and adolescents and providing comprehensive psychological assessments that examine behavioral, emotional, social, adaptive, and educational skills and areas in need of exploration/improvement. He enjoys working with adolescents who interact with the juvenile justice system and is a strong advocate for juvenile justice reform and the understanding, educating, and reduction of the over-representation of children and adolescents of color within the system and identifying/implementing alternative strategies to incarceration.
Before starting the program, Christopher Friar was the Clinical Manager of the Capitol Region Education Council and now is the Clinical Director of the Multi-disciplinary Evaluation Program at the Capitol Region Education Council.
Capstone Project: Vocational Development for At-Risk Youth: Connecticut has been implementing evidence-based interventions for at-risk youth for over a decade. Although evidence-based practices are utilized for effective behavioral health service delivery, there are other applications that factual and statistical information could be used. Gathering data on cognitive ability, educational skills, behavioral health functioning, trauma, learning disabilities, and vocational interests may help develop a definitive plan for engaging and maintaining at-risk youth in obtaining vocational skills and long-term job stability.
A primary area of concern is the apparent lack of comprehensive vocational assessment battery that provides individuals, families, and community providers with specific insight into potential vocational interests for at-risk youth. The creation of a targeted and comprehensive assessment battery that can be administrated and scored relatively quickly may provide an added layer of psychological understanding for at-risk youth attempting to gain employment.
The Tow Youth Justice Institute Leadership Program is an excellent training experience that is comprehensive, data-driven, and focused on crucial areas of the juvenile justice system. I am especially grateful for the ability to develop lasting professional and interpersonal connections with my cohort as well as previous cohorts. The ability to have such amazingly skilled, versed, talented, and, most importantly, diverse professionals working together toward one common goal is overwhelmingly empowering.