Derek Clark was recently a keynote speaker at the 34th Annual San Diego International Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment. His story features a traumatic past of child abuse and neglect, to a story about resilience, renewed relationships, and hope. Clark now travels the world to inspire educators and professionals to continue to foster positive and consistent relationships with children and teens who may seem "difficult" or "troubled". He emphasizes the importance of one single relationship to change a life-- and how we all have the potential to be a part of that special and necessary dynamic.

Excerpt from Derek Clark's Website Bio: "Having suffered brutal child abuse and abandonment, Derek was prone to severe distress and lashing out in anger. As a child he was “labeled and misdiagnosed” in almost every psychological evaluation in existence. As a helpless child, Derek was nearly institutionalized due to severe erratic behavioral problems and violent tendencies. At 6 years old, Derek was diagnosed as mentally handicapped with an IQ of a two and half year old and suffered erratic psychosis. As he developed, it became clear to his wonderful foster parents that this diagnosis was without merit" (IWillNeverGiveUp.com)

To see part of Derek Clark's talks, and to learn more about his movement, visit his website: https://www.iwillnevergiveup.c...-conference-keynote/