Family & Children Services - Partner, Health
For many children, a connection to a therapist who is able to help them navigate adult-size challenges in their young lives means the difference between success and failure in school and life. Family & Children Services recognizes this very real need of many of our students – and they recognize, too, that if many children are not able to see a therapist at school, they will probably not have the opportunity to see someone outside of school hours. Access is a critical element of any community resource.
Family & Children Services has placed part-time therapists in schools where KCIS site coordinators are able to identify the needs within the school and match them with a resource that is essential to their capacity to fully engage in learning. One year ago, the Agency increased this commitment and has placed therapists for at least a day a week in a total of 8 KPS schools, including a half-time therapist who works with students at the Edison School-Based Health Center, combining a well-coordinated approach to both physical and mental health.
Rina Battani, who directs the school-based therapy program, has a long and respected history with school-based counseling. She was the therapist at Edison with the School-Based Health Center. Now, Rina is able to share her knowledge and insight with other therapists who are bringing their services to our students in many schools. The students recognize the value of this service and make meaningful connections with the therapists. One student recently told his therapist, “I was looking for you to help de-escalate me.”
We honor Family & Children Services for their expertise, their increased commitment and the huge difference they are making in the lives and learning of KPS students
Family & Children Services, we thank you for helping students stay in school and succeed in life.