Addressing School Refusal-Strategies for Supporting At-Risk and System Involved Youth Returning to School

Marya Wright, MSW, ASW

Training Description

This training is designed to provide those who support system involved youth in any setting with practical strategies to address the increasing issue of school refusal among students. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the causes and impact of school refusal, learn to identify signs and symptoms, and explore evidence-based approaches to support students in returning to school. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, participants will leave with the knowledge and tools necessary to support and implement individualized strategies for system involved youth exhibiting school refusal.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

● Identify at least three common signs and symptoms of school refusal and explain at least 2 potential underlying causes.

● Identify at least 2 strategies for two hypothetical students experiencing school refusal, incorporating evidence-based strategies and accommodations.

● Explain the importance of collaboration with families and others who support system involved youth by articulating three effective strategies for engaging parents and involving community resources in addressing school refusal.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:05am  Welcome & Introductions

10:05 – 10:15am  Agenda, Objectives and Learning Goals

10:15 - 10:20am  Overview of the issues of school refusal

10:20 - 10:30am  Identifying Signs and Symptoms

10:30 - 10:40am  Importance of addressing school refusal for student’s academic and social development

10:40 - 10:50am  Understanding school refusal

10:50 – 11:00am  Definition and characteristics of school refusal

11:00 – 11:10am  Differentiating school refusal from truancy and other related behaviors

11:10 - 11:25am  Prevalence and potential causes of school refusal

11:25 – 11:35am  Impact of school refusal on students, families, and schools

11:35 - 11:45am  Identifying signs and symptoms

11:45am – 12pm  Recognizing common signs and symptoms of school refusal

12:00 - 1:00pm  LUNCH (CE hours will not be offered for this time)

1:00 – 1:15pm  Understanding the underlying factors contributing to school refusal

1:15 – 1:30pm  Conducting assessments and screening to identify school refusal

1:30 – 1:45pm  Factors Contributing to School Refusal

1:45 - 2:00pm   BREAK (CE hours will not be offered for this time)

2:00 – 2:30pm  Collaborating with families

2:30 – 2:45pm  Individualized strategies for students

2:45 – 3:00pm  Academic accommodations and support

3:00 – 3:15pm  Prevention Measures

3:15 – 3:30pm  Long-Term Strategies

3:30 – 3:45pm  Questions & Answers

3:45 – 4:00pm  Wrap-up & Closing

Meet Our Trainer

Marya Wright, MSW, is a nationally distinguished social worker, consultant, educator, international trainer, and facilitator with experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. She is the President and CEO of Wright Community Services LLC, a company that strives to empower system-involved families through awareness, services, and education while also providing consultation, training, and system specific facilitation to the agencies that services these communities. She is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (#81167) with the Board of Behavioral Sciences working to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Marya holds a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, East Bay with a focus on Child Welfare Policy and Research and a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University.

Marya is a qualified expert witness and private dependency investigator for children, youth, and family services as it relates to family law court, juvenile and dependency court. She is an elected Board of Director for the California Society of Clinical Social Work (CSCSW).

Marya has conducted considerable research on Child Sexual Exploitation, Foster Care, and published an article on the use of algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. In addition to her clinical social work, Marya is a seasoned lecturer. She has taught in the Sociology Department at Cal State East Bay since Spring 2020. Her course load includes Sociology of Sexualities, Child Welfare Policy, Sociology of Family, and Sexual Violence.

This course meets the qualifications for (4.75) BBS CE hours for LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.