Focus: Support the social/emotional health needs of a student so that they may experience greater success in school.
Family-School Liaisons (FSLs) support students and their families in reducing barriers to learning and help students to be successful in school, at home, and in their community. FSLs understand that families know their children best. FSLs work together with parents/legal guardians and teachers to help students meet their learning goals at school. The approach is strength-based, client centered and goal-focused.
Some of the concerns that FSLs can help with are:
- School-based concerns (e.g., motivation, classroom and playground concerns, school transitions, attention difficulties, etc.)
- Emotional concerns (e.g., anger, conflicts, self-esteem, worry, grief, sadness, etc.)
- Social concerns (e.g., peer conflicts, attention difficulties, relationship concerns, friendship issues, etc.)
- Family concerns (e.g., separation/divorce, sibling conflicts, parenting strategies, lack of resources, home-school communication, etc.)
- Behavioral issues (e.g., safety issues, bullying, defiance, bizarre behaviors, etc.)
- Other (e.g., physical/health related issues, pregnancy, alcohol/drug misuse, basic needs resourcing, advocacy, etc.)
The best results happen when parents/legal guardians are able to:
- Team with their child's teacher to discuss their child's needs
- Meet with the FSL to share relevant information about their child and to become involved in service planning
- Continue regular contact with the FSL to discuss their child's progress and to review strategies
- Practice new skills with their child
- Work together with their child's school to try out new ideas
Parents/legal guardians are encouraged to contact the FSL coming to their child's school with any questions they may have.
