Page 67 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

During FY24, the Department of Safe Schools provided academic support to student residents from the Children’s
Home Society, Place of Hope, and Children’s Place at HomeSafe through its Foster Care Liaison team. The department
offered educational support to eight group homes, including four therapeutic group homes. As a result, over 120 out
of approximately 175 student residents benefited from afterschool tutoring from one of the eight District-certified
teachers. This comprehensive support, accompanied by providing backpacks, uniforms, and supplies, ensured full student
participation in their respective schools.

Teen Mental Health First Aid

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is an in-person training designed for high school students to learn about mental
illnesses and addictions, particularly how to identify and respond to a developing mental health or substance use problem
among their peers. Students learned a 5-step action plan to help their friends who may be facing a mental health problem
or crisis, such as suicide. The course explicitly highlighted common signs and symptoms, the critical step of involving a
responsible and trusted adult, how to open conversations with peers, and the impact of school violence and bullying on
mental health,

Teen Mental Health First Aid training was developed by the National Council of Mental Wellbeing in response to research,
indicating that young people prefer sharing challenges with peers. The Department of Safe Schools was awarded a three-
year grant from the Department of Justice to bring this vital program to the District. This grant funded the materials
associated with the curriculum and the required training for adult trainers. As a result, over the last two years, 14 trainers
from the Departments of Safe Schools and Support Services have partnered and trained 8,044 grade 10 students across 12
campuses, contributing to the District's unwavering commitment to engaging students academically and emotionally.

Teenage Parent Program

The Teenage Parent Program (TPP) is a voluntary program offered by the District to provide education and access to health
and social services for pregnant and parenting teens enrolled in District-operated and charter schools. TPP works directly
with various community agencies to assist pregnant and parenting students with access to multiple programs that support
a healthy pregnancy and birth.

The District and the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County worked together to assist students who may need
childcare following the birth of their child. Participants in TPP must take at least one parenting skills course while continuing
to earn credits toward a standard or special diploma. Courses were offered through Palm Beach Virtual School. Students
who completed the parenting course and received consent from their parents continued to receive support services while
enrolled in school. In FY24, 85 students were enrolled in TPP, and 35 received childcare vouchers.

Each school was assigned a dedicated Teenage Parent Contact (TPC) who collaborated with TPP staff members, parents,
school nurses, and school staff to provide comprehensive support to students. TPCs were updated twice this year with
relevant information to enhance their support of students receiving services. In recognition of this support, two graduating
TPP students were awarded a scholarship from the Marie Louise Cancer Foundation, Inc.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE 67