88th Annual CASCWA State Conference

This presentation will focus on the basics regarding human trafficking and exploitation. It will address what human trafficking is, as well as what it is not. We will discuss some of the vulnerabilities facing students we serve, what signs can be observed to better identify a possible victim, how recruiting occurs within the schools and what can be done if/when a victim is suspected. Further, the training will address the impact of the trauma victims of trafficking/exploitation face, as their trauma impacts their overall wellbeing and ability to learn and be in the school setting.  

This session will focus on responding to concerning behaviors by helping participants to understand baseline behaviors and deviations , recognize  ​behavioral markers of targeted violence​, and observe, document, and report concerning behaviors​.

This proposal outlines a fiscally sustainable framework to build and maintain comprehensive mental health programs in TK-12 schools. By creating a robust mental health continuum on campus, schools can address the varied social, emotional, and mental health needs of students while simultaneously developing a pipeline of qualified mental health professionals.  The primary goal is to ensure the sustainability of mental health programs by leveraging resources to train and retain professionals who can support students’ mental well-being while advancing their own career pathways toward licensure.

Safe schools are of major importance to the public, parents and school officials. Unfortunately, individual school sites have not been assessed to properly ensure the safety of all as school officials are reactive rather than proactive. During this interactive session, Sherman Garnett Jr. who describe what is a safe school from an educational and law enforcement perspective and provide all with resources and assessment tools that will ensure maximum safety at each school site including the necessary training.

Are you current and well versed in the area of student records? What are the rights of caregivers as opposed to custodial parents? Are special education files considered " special" and maintained separate from other educational files? These questions and more will be answered in an interactive session in which you will be challenged and provided solutions to these challenging questions.

Schools are required to have CSSP’s, a collection of procedures used in emergencies and to promote a safe learning environment. A State Auditor report found a majority of CSSP’s are not compliant, creating an environment for inadequate emergency response that may put people’s safety at risk. This class will discuss the components of a CSSP including methods to improve school climate and physical environment and answer FAQ’s about items such as due dates and templates. The class is based on the Educator’s Guide to Comprehensive School Safety Plans. It is the legislative intent this guide be used in developing CSSP’s.

Loneliness harms both individual and societal health. In adults, it is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is like smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. In students, a lack of friendship can result in academic underachievement, mental health issues, and impaired brain development. We will look at current data on friendships in the workplace and schools and use research from the Blue Zones and the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory report on loneliness to share ways to foster a sense of community both within the school setting and community.

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