The In-School Social Work Program (ISSWP) enhances student success by providing comprehensive character development skill building activities for students through short-term individual sessions, small groups and classroom presentations.
The ISSWP program helps address emotional factors and improve family dynamics to reduce high risk behavior. Outcomes reflect improvement in 10 character development areas:
Group based activities have targeted healthy friendships, personal safety, non-violent conflict resolution, feelings and empathy, kindness and respect, school success, personal responsibility, handling peer pressure and bullying, improving engagement with school.
Consultation services are also available for parents, teachers and principals, as well as staff development for teachers and principals to expand strategies and interventions for strengthening student character. Based on the assessment of other student or parent needs, a referral to other Catholic Charities' programs, including counseling, is available.
Supported through both a grant from Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic health plan for Catholic schools, and Catholic Charities' Appeal funds, the ISSWP program is currently offered in Catholic Schools (below) in six counties, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee and Niagara:
Contact Information
For additional information regarding this program and contracting with Catholic Charities, please call Julie Lulek, Director of School Based Services, at (716) 447-5742 or contact her via e-mail: [email protected].