This prevention and early intervention program was offered in 70 elementary schools with a primary focus on Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade. In addition, Boys Town partnered with The School District of Palm Beach County, Children’s Services Council Palm Beach County, and Court Administration to serve families with children at 11 schools in Kindergarten through 3rd grade who were at risk for being truant. The SFSS program provided in-school and in-home child and family based services for social, emotional and behavioral issues. The staff called “Family Consultants”, also provided outreach activities for children outside these grade ranges. Over 11,000 students were screened annually, and 3,000 were provided services in the 2011-2012 school year.

The goals of the program were to reduce barriers to educational success by the early identification of “at-risk” behaviors; to help children be on grade level; improve social, emotional and behavioral well-being; and to reduce child abuse/neglect.

Primary Project is an evidence-based, national program model first developed in 1957 in Rochester, New York, by the Children's Institute. Primary Project is a school-based early detection and prevention program for young children designed to prevent school adjustment difficulties and foster children’s social and emotional well-being. The program seeks to enhance learning and adjustment skills and other school-related competencies as well as to reduce social, emotional and school adjustment difficulties. It employs trained para-professionals (Child Associates) who provide structured play sessions to children identified as experiencing mild adjustment problems characterized by shyness, withdrawal, or socially inappropriate behaviors. Play is at the heart of this approach: developing a trusting, therapeutic relationship in which the child feels safe to express and explore feelings, deal with stressful experiences, and master challenges. Services were provided for a 12 week period, and were offered in 12 local elementary schools. All program sites met the rigorous standards of the Children’s Institute and were nationally certified. Approximately 1,500 children received Primary Project services this school year.

The elementary schools that offered the SFSS program are listed below, and the schools which also provided Primary Project are marked with a “PP” after the school name.

Funding for these programs was provided by the Children’s Services Council Palm Beach County. These services are part of the Healthy Beginnings Program.

• default_titleCare Coordination Services provided a lifeline for children suffering from mental health issues by ensuring they received the right care at the right time.
• default_titleBehavioral Health Network (BNET) provided comprehensive mental health services to children enrolled in Florida KidCare.
• default_titleIn-Home Family Services provided intensive family based services in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, based on referrals primarily from the child welfare system.
• default_titleNational Hotline (800) 448-3000 was open 24 hours a day 365 days a year, staffed by specially trained Boys Town counselors to help teens, parents and families in crisis.
• default_titleYourLifeYourVoice.org is a new website offering teens another channel to express feelings and seek help.
• default_titleParenting.org is an invaluable resource for parents with children of all ages.
• default_titleBoystownPress.org is the publishing division of Boys Town, publishing tools based on the proven youth care, parenting and educational techniques used in our programs across the country.
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For more information contact: www.boystown.org/south-florida or call (561) 366-9400.