Youth First Social Work Program 2021-22 Academic Year
"You helped me push through so much doubt and helped me graduate high school. I can never thank you enough." – Former student served by a Youth First Social Worker In a year when national leaders sounded the alarm about skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide, Youth First provided thousands of students with free, in-school access to professional mental health care. The parents of these young people did not need to wait weeks or even months for a first visit―nor were they required to pay $100 or more per session, manage insurance bills, work out transportation, or coordinate multiple scheduling demands. The only requirements for the service were enrollment in the school and parent/caregiver consent.
78
Social Workers
107
K–12 Schools
47,059
Students with Access
Additionally, Youth First Social Workers served the entire school building with tiered programming for larger groups of students and training and support for teachers and parents. As it has for the last 24 years, this comprehensive approach reduced stigma and built the supportive scaffolding everyone needs to overcome obstacles, succeed academically, and pursue safe, healthy, productive lives. The independently evaluated outcomes presented in this brief underscore what school partners have known for years: Youth First Social Workers strengthen kids and families.
Youth First Social Work Strategies 21,567
Students in Educational Presentations
Universal
General Population
1,224
Teachers in Professional Development
Selective
749
Small Groups
Students in Group Sessions
Indicated
35,272
1:1 Support for Individuals
Teacher/Staff Consultations
3,486
Students on Caseload
531
Crisis Interventions
12,913
Immediate Need Interventions
14,768
Parent Consultations
6,313
Referrals to Community Resources