Bio for The Rev. Dr. Darrell L. Armstrong CONTINUED -

 

He is a certified trainer in Child Sexual Assault, Infant Mental Health, Responsible Fatherhood, and Family Development Credential. He sees his “global work & life’s call” as striving to make ALL families stronger by addressing issues which impact their  physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being...BEFORE they get into crisis! As such, he is considered an international leader on issues pertaining to child welfare, child displacement, and family strengthening, particularly foster and kinship care. He is a charter-[motivational] speaker for the Los Angeles Department of Children Services' Independent Living Program (1990-present), former member of the NJ Governor’s Cabinet for Children (2002-2005), former co-chair of the Child Welfare Transition Team for former NJ Governor Jon Corzine (12/05-01/06), and Child, Family, & Human Services Transition Team Member for current NJ Governor Phil Murphy (12/2017-01/2018). Building on these experiences, the Rev. Armstrong was asked to serve as the Director of the Division of (Child Abuse) Prevention and Community Partnerships (DPCP) for the newly created NJ Department of Children and Families from March, 2006 to April, 2009. In this position, he oversaw a budget of greater than $100M+ in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention funding, and was responsible for New Jersey’s statewide strategy to prevent child abuse and strengthen families. Upon leaving state government in April, 2009, he founded the Institute for Clergy Training (IFCT). The IFCT is dedicated to helping clergy of all faiths better understand and implement in their houses of worship, stronger family engagement programs that strengthen overall family functioning and well-being. Since its inception in 2009, the IFCT has trained dozens of clergy of ALL faiths to better understand the intersection of child welfare, intimate partner/domestic violence, family violence, substance abuse, and mental health. In February, 2016, the General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (B.W.A.) appointed him the Chief Administrative Officer to the United Nations for the B.W.A. [Falls Church, VA].The Rev. Armstrong is the author of several books and training manuals and has been featured in several public broadcast mediums  (television, radio, and social media) about his work with children and families around the world. He has been officially recognized and honored by numerous governmental, religious and civic organizations, among which include the following: the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games [in December 2001 he carried the torch in NJ's Capital County (Mercer) on behalf of America’s then 600,000+ foster children!] and the Casey Family Programs, as “Distinguished Foster Care Alum” award (2010). In May of 2010, he was chosen to be the first non-Presbyterian member of the Princeton Seminary Board of Trustees in its 207th-plus year history (1812-present); He is a Member of the following organizations: Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society for professional counselors & counselor educators (Alpha Epsilon Chapter); Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) - Fall, 2015; and a Life Member of Stanford University Alumni Association (SUAA) - Fall, 2000. Armstrong has various forms of chaplaincy experiences including Educational Chaplain at Princeton University Chapel, Office of the Dean of Religious LIfe (1995-1997); Police Chaplain with the Trenton Police Department (International Association of Police Chaplains (2013 - present); Child Welfare Chaplain with the  Institute for Clergy Training (2009 - present); and Cruise Ship Chaplain on the Festival At Sea / wwww.FestivalAtSea.com (20-plus years aboard Carnival & Celebrity Cruise Lines).