BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL

BUILDING BRIDGES OF HOPE:FROM CONFLICT TO SOLUTION

VICTORIA COFIELD-ABER, LCSW-CJOANNA DURHAM, LCSW-C

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH

OCTOBER 29, 2012

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this session participants will be able to:

• Identify sources of engagement within groups and among agencies in servicing families experiencing homelessness.

• Develop and analyze strategies for positive communication between families experiencing homelessness and school personnel.

• Examine steps in planning and implementing an advocacy intervention for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

THE ROAD

ADVOCACY

•Vision

•Responsible

•Resources

ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY

BECOME BRIDGE TO UNDERSTANDING

BUILD CAPACITY THROUGH ENGAGEMENT

DIALOGUE

• With whom

• For what purpose

• Toward what end

PLANNING

• Diagnosis

What is happening?

What is the situation?

Who are we and what do we have?

PLANNING

• Needs and problems

• Causes

• Resolution

• Resources

PLANNING

• Involvement

Parents

Shelter staff

School staff

WHERE TO ARRIVE

• Outcomes

• Hopes

• Values

THE PATH

•Action

•Tasks

• Responsibilities

•People

SET OBJECTIVES

• What

• Why

• With what

• How

• Who

• What

ACTION

• Division of labor

• Task groups

• Report

• Coordinate overall effort

REFLECTION

CARING, COMMUNICATING, COLLABORATING

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

• Monthly meetings

• Plans

• Recommendations

SENSITIVITY TRAINING

• Staff development

• Information

• Services

• Communication

STUDENTS IN TRANSITION

• Inform

• Coordinate

• Contact

• Referral

SHELTER STAFF

• Bi-monthly meeting

• Plan programs

• Recommendations

ACTION

HOME SCHOOL COLLABORATION GROUP

Improve relationship between parents and school to support student learning

HOME SCHOOL COLLABORATION GROUP

Group sessions provide information in four areas:

• Academic• Social • Behavioral• Emotional

HOME SCHOOL COLLABORATION GROUP

Session One:

FAMILY ORIENTATION

HOME SCHOOL COLLABORATION GROUP

Session Two:

MAINTAINING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

HOME SCHOOL COLLABORATION GROUP

Session Three:

DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS

HOME SCHOOL COLLABORATION GROUP

Session Four:

COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES

HOME SCHOOL COLLABORATION GROUP

Session Five:

TIME MANAGEMENT

ACTION

OUTCOMES

• Dictionaries

• Book drive

• Read aloud

READ ALOUD

LITERACY DRIVE IN HOMELESS SHELTERS

• Thematic topics – Living your dreams– Love and resilience– Achievement– Go green

• Participation

• Survey

EVALUATION

• What gains made?

• How are conflicts and difficulties confronted?

• Do the actions meet the goals and objectives?

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

REFERENCES

• Finn, J. & Jacobson, M. (2003) Just Practice: Social Justice Approach to Social Work, eddie bowers publishing co. Inc. Peosta, Iowa.

• School Social Work Services, Baltimore County Public Schools. 410 887 0305.