| My husband and I are the founders of Atkinson Youth Services. We became parents in 1963 and 1964, and then became foster parents in 1968. When we moved to Sacramento in 1977, we brought 13 children with us - 2 natural, 3 adopted, 6 foster, 1 guardianship. and 1 child we kept for a year so his parents could settle their divorce.
I graduated from San Jose State University in 1980, with a degree in Psychology. I worked on a Masters Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Child Welfare from University Southern California. With only one class to go I realized that I don't like business. In 1984, I asked Jim to join me, and he took the full time position of Executive Director and I became the Program Administrator.
I was never happy with the popular views of psychiatry and psychology during the 1970's and 80's. I found the William Glasser Institute in the late 80's, and became certified in Choice Theory. I am now on the faculty and am qualified as a practicum supervisor.
We became a county group home in 1980, and incorporated as a California Non Profit and became a state group home in 1984. We work with emotionally disturbed children, many of whom have been sexually abused. We now have 6 group homes, a Foster Family Agency, and a Special Ed school for children with difficult behaviors, emotional problems, and learning disabilities.
We believe in Natural Families and work to return children to their families whenever possible. Most of our group homes have parents that live in. Our system has been very successful, although it is not for every child nor for every problem.
We have now parented about 100 children personally, and right now have 53 grandchildren. We know our program works because we know the grandchildren and the quality life they are able to live because their parents are successful.
I am excited about hearing from you and will answer your brief questions as soon as possible. I am NOT a therapist. I am certified in Reality Therapy/Choice Theory and can teach methods we have developed. Check our web page for classes we offer. You may take many of our trainings.
To see more of Carla's thoughts, visist her blog here!
|
