MAKING A PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD

My purpose is to help you secure placement of your troubled or struggling teen in the school or program in which he or she will thrive. Once you decide to use my services, I'm available to you any time seven days a week until your child completes the placement. Below is an overview of the collaborative process I use to create a plan that works for you and your family:

Getting To Know Your Child
Initially, I meet with your child one on one, explaining simply and clearly who I am and what I do. I want your child to know that I am genuinely interested in his or her education and growth, and I ask questions like: "How are things going for you in school? In your family? With your friends? Where do you see yourself heading - short-term and long-term?" If appropriate, I talk about options for the future.

Putting His Or Her Situation In Context
Next I meet alone with you, the parent or parents. At that meeting, I share with you my impressions of your child and listen to your own perceptions, concerns, and hopes. We discuss the child's home life and social life. We review the child's experiences in school, both past and present. I will need to examine transcripts, testing results, teacher comments, evaluations, and reports. I will need the contact information for therapists and other professionals. The more information you give me, the better I can assess your child's needs.

Formulating A Plan
Based on our dialog, we consider possibilities for both short- and long-term goals and, if appropriate, include your child in the discussion and settle on a plan and tentative timeline. The planning process leads to recommendations and choices for you to examine, weigh and, finally, to choose.

Facilitating The Process
Drawing on my knowledge of available schools and programs, I provide you with several options, help you narrow the list, and identify the key questions to help you make the best choice. I have the selected programs and schools send you their information and application forms, help you complete the applications, set up interviews and, if necessary, arrange for any additional testing.

Following Up On Progress
After you make your decision and the placement is made, I receive regular reports on your child's progress from the school or program and stay in close touch with you as needed. Throughout the child's placement, I'll be responsive and available by phone or in person.

Handling Crisis Situations
If your child or family is in crisis, I can go to work at once to place your child in a safe setting outside the home. Once the immediate crisis has passed, we can proceed to develop a plan. A crisis might arise from one or more of the following:

• Runaway
• Suicide attempt or threat
• Jail or juvenile detention
• Threat of violence to others
• Overdose or other substance use/abuse
• Gang involvement, worrisome friends
• Rage or defiance at home, school, or elsewhere
• Suspension/dismissal from school
• Depression
• Declining engagement in school; low or failing grades
• Truancy
• Eating disorders
• ADD/ADHD/learning differences
• Sexual identity questions
• Promiscuity
  

Read about my experience in this field.

Download the Authorization and Student Profile Forms (pdf)