Failure of a parent or caregiver to provide for a child’s educational needs is included in Kentucky’s definition of neglect. While educational neglect alone represents a very small percentage of substantiations, the issues and challenges families face that may lead to educational neglect are often present in other types of neglect as well. Therefore, effort invested in addressing these issues early may have immeasurable benefits in preventing other types of neglect. Additionally, supporting the ability of a child or youth to engage in education has long-term benefits in terms of academic success, development of critical thinking skills, future career opportunities, and overall well-being.
As most children between the ages of five (5) and seventeen (17) are enrolled in public schools, strategies directed at students and their families to support engagement in education have the potential to benefit many families. The primary goal of Family Resource Youth Service Centers (FRYSC) is to remove non-academic barriers to learning and student success. FRYSC services are available in most counties in Kentucky and are described in detail in SOP C1.7 Family Resource Youth Service Centers. In addition to FRYSCs, there are other programs across the state focused on addressing family challenges related to student engagement, which help to reduce educational neglect reports to the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS).
Parent Engagement Meetings (PEM) are a strength-based approach for families of elementary-age children (K-5) to support school attendance. Through collaboration with school personnel and community-based agencies, DCBS can support PEMs in an increasing number of counties across the state. School personnel refer children to the program before concerns rise to the level of educational neglect. They then schedule the PEM meeting with the family and service provider. The service provider makes referrals for services and follows up with the family as needed. PEMs are only available for children and families not involved with the DCBS Division of Protection and Permanency (DPP)
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The Maryhurst Renewal Program is another example of programming directed at supporting educational success for high-risk adolescents. The Renewal Program is a community-based behavioral health program that provides wraparound care to youth and families in their homes, schools, and communities. The program targets services to youth with a history of trauma or challenges such as parental incarceration. Without intervention, these youth are at high risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system. The Renewal Program’s core services include therapy, community support associates, targeted case management, applied behavioral analytics, and psychiatry. This program is available in Jefferson, Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, and Shelby Counties. DCBS workers may refer to the Renewal Program following any type of contact with a family. An open case is not required. The program prioritizes services to youth for whom DCBS received a school-based referral. However, services may also be provided to youth in care or transitioning to a community-based setting from DCBS custody.