Family Support Network's school-based program is designed for families with school age children experiencing behavioral challenges or difficulties functioning in school. Typically, children and families are referred through a teacher or other school personnel. Masters level licensed therapists provide free, school and home-based, individual and family therapy to participating families.
An Urgent Need
- Signs of child abuse and neglect often become evident after the child starts school where s/he encounters other adults outside the family.
- Inconsistent nurturing, harsh discipline and/or physical abuse often leads to problems that can affect a child's ability to perform in school or develop healthy relationships with peers and adults.
- Every child has the right to be safe in their own home and free from family violence.
- All parents need support, parenting knowledge and parenting skills to create healthy, stable families.
- Research shows that prevention is key to changing negative family behavior before it escalates into maltreatment.
The Program
School Links provided services in four school districts (St. Louis Public Schools, Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Valley Park and Lindbergh) in 2008. Services are provided for an average of six to nine months and include:
- A comprehensive assessment of family strengths and needs.
- Weekly, hour-long, solution-focused family therapy sessions.
- Individualized parenting education emphasizing age-appropriate child behavior and positive parenting skills.
- Resource referral and coordination with other community resources.
- Consultation and coordination with school personnel.
- Follow up in-home visits at three and 12 months post-service.
2008 Outcomes
- 82 families and 265 individuals (165 were children) participated in 2008.
- 100% of children remained safe in their homes with no substantiated child abuse determination by the Missouri Children's Division.
- 96% of parents learned new parenting skills.
- 87% of families accessed new community resources.
- 86% of families successfully met their service goals.
- 75% of families served, reduced their risk of child maltreatment.
- 83% of children reduced problem school behaviors.
For additional information, contact Family Support Network at (314) 644-5055.
