School-Based Diversion Initiative Featured as an Example of Community Psychology in Action

Connecticut's School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI) was selected as an example of the discipline of community psychology for a new website by the Society for Community Research and Action (SRCA), a division of the American Psychological Association. The website (www.communitypsychology.com) features real world applications of community psychology, a discipline of psychology that goes beyond an individual focus to understand and address the multiple social, economic, environmental and other systemic factors impacting health and wellness. Three of CHDI's staff members are trained as community psychologists (Judith Meyers, Jeffrey Vanderploeg, and Jeana Bracey) and were responsible for co-developing and implementing the SBDI model in partnership with Connecticut state agencies. CHDI's work to improve systems, policies, and practices so they work better for children and families aligns with the principles and values of the discipline of community psychology.