Teresa Kramer, PhD, a professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Psychiatry, has been named the recipient of the 2018 Senator Percy Malone Child Protection Award by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas (CACA).
Kramer received the award April 11 at a luncheon at the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center.
The award recognizes Kramer’s contributions as director of Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST), a program in the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute and supported by the Arkansas Legislature. Under her leadership, ARBEST has provided training in evidence-based trauma treatments to mental health professionals and child advocates across the state. The program also provides clinical services and follow-up care at UAMS for children who have experienced trauma.
The Malone award was established in 2010 to honor the achievements of the senator and his wife, Donna, who have worked for years to create legislation to combat sexual and physical abuse of children and adolescents.
Kramer has more than 30 years of experience in research involving young trauma victims, beginning with her work as a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati. The chief psychologist at UAMS, Kramer has been director of ARBEST since its inception in 2009.
“It is an honor to be recognized for this award. Through the ARBEST program, we have trained more than 2,000 mental health professionals to provide effective treatments for children exposed to trauma, and reached more than 5,000 other professionals working in this field,” said Kramer. “I am extremely proud of the ARBEST team and the commitment of our entire state to serve these children and their families.”