Attendance-Participation-Support (A-P-S)

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

Far too many school districts have adopted student discipline policies that result in entry into the formal justice system. Zero-tolerance policies, intended to make schools safer, are proving ineffective. As students are denied access to necessary services the “school to prison” pipeline swells. Wayne County has launched a new school-based initiative, A-P-S, aimed at reversing this trend. From February 2013 to September 30, 2013, the Wayne County Attendance Participation and Support Initiative (A-P-S) has provided an alternative to school conflict resolution and expulsion for 370 youth and families enrolled in 25 Detroit area schools. The A-P-S strategy is timely assessment, family engagement, referral and access to services appropriate to assessed need. A public-private partnership of county, schools and community agencies form the centerpiece of the program. The value of this collaboration is to provide youth effective supports to stay in school, not be adjudicated into the juvenile system, and to strengthen their family ties. Wayne County has contracted with the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) to implement this program. The A-P-S process starts with a phone call from a teacher or principal concerning a student that is at-risk of discipline, including expulsion. The JAC A-P-S Specialists travels to the school. Instead of imposing immediate discipline, the student and parent/caregiver first participate in a skilled interview, followed by a computer guided assessment. Answers to computer-based questions are electronically converted into a plan of action. This process often uncovers behavioral and emotional issues behind the student’s misconduct. As indicated by assessment, students are referred for services. If a severe condition is identified the student may be referred for intensive mental health intervention. Coordinated community services focus help for everyone in the family. To connect students and families to the “right” service, competent assessment is essential. The underlying reasons for school absences, conflicts in the home and learning failures at school must first be revealed. Youth and caregivers are expected to participate and be actively involved in schooling. Follow up school and family services make sure the services were carried out and that families saw them as useful. An evaluation of all students that participated in 2013 finds that 98%were retained in school and have not entered the juvenile justice system.