Counseling Center Helps
Families Cope
|
If you know of a student who’s having difficulties in
school because of emotional issues, the District’s Family
Counseling Program may be just the answer. The program provides
short-term assistance to help families deal with the many
changes we all experience within our families while living
in such a complex society – free of charge. By addressing
these issues, students are able to function more effectively
within the school setting.
The Family Counseling Program began in 1980 with one counselor
and one location. Since then, it has grown to 25 counselors
and a dozen centers. Its counselors hold Masters degrees or
higher in counseling, social work or psychology and have extensive
experience in individual, group and family counseling.
Each year, approximately 3,000 students and their families
benefit from the program, which is coordinated by Judith Friedman,
PhD and operates under the umbrella of Student Support Services/ESE.
Hours of operation vary from center to center, however evening
hours are available to accommodate working families.
In addition to assisting students who have behavior problems,
the program’s counselors work with children who have
family issues weighing on them, making it difficult for them
to achieve in school. These issues include divorce, death,
relocation and even multicultural-related problems. “We
see students who are ‘school phobic’,” those
who are trying to deal with grief and those who have behavior
problems in and out of school, “ explained Dr. Friedman.
“Because we live in such a diverse community, our counselors
are multi-lingual.
According to survey results based on the 2001/2002 school
year, the Family Counseling Program is extremely effective.
“Eighty-six percent of the students we counseled showed
academic improvement,” reports Dr. Friedman, “85%
showed improved behavior, 83% demonstrated better attendance
and 95% met the mental health goals they had originally established
for themselves.” “It just goes to show you that
emotional issues definitely impact academic achievement and
this kind of intervention is truly effective in helping students
achieve,” said Dr. Friedman.
Students receiving services are not the only ones who benefit.
There are secondary gains. Teachers can better manage their
classrooms without behavior problems resulting in an improved
learning environment for all students. The community as a
whole also benefits. Students who can effectively deal with
problems will be positive members of the community.
Counselors also facilitate a variety of groups for both students
and parents covering such topics as parenting skills and academic
support. There’s even an offering for grandparents coping
with raising their grandchildren. To learn more about the
Family Counseling Program, please contact Dr. Friedman at
954-786-7682. Brochures describing this free service are also
available for teachers and administrators to distribute to
families in need.
