School-Based Program

Home

School Based Services Research Summary (pdf)
 

 Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society’s School Based Program originated in 1993. The current School Based Program at the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society includes a team of 5 workers each assigned to 5 schools within the Avon / Maitland District School Board. The Program expanded in 2004 and now includes the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board with 2 workers assigned to 5 Catholic schools in our area. Outside of the home, the school is undoubtedly the environment with the greatest potential to contribute to the healthy development of children. The goal of the School Based Program is to improve the delivery of services to children and families. This is made possible by teachers and social workers developing strong collaborative relationships. The Program provides on-site services for parents and children at target schools, reducing the need for families to travel for clinical services. Workers can also consult and provide intervention services in matters that are not child protection cases. Thus, children experiencing behavioural challenges such as bullying, anger management, and social skill difficulties are able to access counselling services in their school. Without intervention, these issues can interfere with learning, increase risk of harm to students, and can often manifest into larger problems. Teachers, parents and students all feel that the Program has made a difference in the academic, behavioural, and social-emotional functioning of students.

There are many services offered at schools. They include:

Counselling
To provide counselling services on an individual and group basis, in order to address the unique needs of individual students and school communities
 
Class Presentations
Address such key topics as teasing, bullying, peer harassment, family violence, and social skills.
 
Peer Mentor Program
-Matches senior students with identified grade nine students needing support with their transition to secondary school.
-School based social workers facilitate mentor training and student matches, and also provide individualized support and guidance to program participants.
 
Staff Support
Provide consultation and liaison services to principals, vice principals, and teachers regarding student issues and behavior, as appropriate.
 
Social Skills Training
-Educate students in individual and group settings with regards to appropriate and effective skills for social interaction.
-Incorporate such key issues as: anger management, impulse control, positive peer relationships and positive expression of feelings.
 
Violence Prevention
Facilitate education and awareness in violence prevention on an individual basis, as well as via such groups as Second Step
 
Conflict Resolution Services
To provide support and education regarding conflict resolution on an individualized basis, and in group format (i.e. Peace Makers)
 
Tragic Events Response Support Team
Immediate response when tragic events impact a large group of people within a community (i.e. A car accident involving a number of students.)
 

Links | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Site Map