Resources are a problem for many urban public schools. Unlike their suburban counterparts, urban schools have to use more of their resources on non academic programs. Being located in impoverished communities, urban schools have to program for the effects of poverty. The effects of poverty have made urban schools spend more resources (money & manpower) dealing with a plethora of social service issues, turning them into social service agencies.
With the growing number of students who are becoming homeless, abused/neglected, or need of mental/behavioral health services, the schools students need will have to become social service satellite locations. Utilizing the empowerment zone model in Harlem where social service agencies are housed in schools to provide immediate resources to students and families who need assistance. Having a social worker, a behavioral/mental health therapist in the school building would provide school staff an onsite resource to report concerns, refer students, provide additional resources, and collaborate with on how to support students in crisis.
Having social service programs in schools would also be benefit parents. Parents would be able to access resources at location that is familiar and close to home. Parents would also be able to receive services on child development, parenting, and how to help their child with homework. Parents would also have access to health care for their children. Having a health clinic in a school would ensure that parents receive follow ups to their children’s’ medical appointments, provide education on nutrition, and remind parents when prescriptions need to be filled. Lastly, parents would also be able to receive referrals for self-improvement such as going back to school, learning how to get a better job, and coping with stress of parenting.
Having social service programs in schools would also be helpful to the students. Students would have immediate access to professionals who are able to help them through a behavioral or mental health crisis. For students who are on medication, they would have access to professionals who show them how to properly self administer medication, ensure students are taking their medication, and educating students on nutrition.
Finally, having social service programs in schools would be helpful to students because it would provide them with a safe place after school. Students could receive aftercare services where they can receive tutoring in areas where they are struggling or areas of enhancement. They can receive counseling for their mental or behavioral challenges, and art and music therapy to help them manage their challenges. Students could also receive mentoring or participate in a rites of passage program
Urban public school districts and local social service agencies can no longer act separate from each other. It is time urban districts and social service agencies follow best practices and bring the resources into the schools so the child can be receive services and not lose instructional time. The schools students need will have to understand that working with social service agencies to remove barriers that place stressors on students will affect their desire to learn.
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