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

Marya Wright, DSW, MSW

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 of school refusal

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 – 12:00pm  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 – 2:15pm  Collaborating with families

2:15 – 2:30pm  Collaborating with students and their support network

2:30 – 2:45pm  Individualized strategies for system involved 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, DSW MSW BSW, is a nationally recognized social worker, consultant, educator, and facilitator with extensive experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the President and CEO of Wright Community Services LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her master’s in social work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in 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. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes building relationships, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social and economic issues faced by clients, aiming for justice and peace. She serves as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker. Additionally, Dr. Wright sits on the Board of Directors for the California Society of Clinical Social Work and is actively involved with the National Association of Social Workers and California Chapter.

Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Dr. Wright’s teaching experience includes courses in sociology and social work at Cal State East Bay, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program teaching generalist practice, human behavior and social environment, and advance practice children youth and families.

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.