ADVOCATING FOR AND SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL YEARS

Parents are vital partners in education. They influence their children’s attitudes about learning, and support learning at home. They are a vital link between home and school. And when they become involved in the life of the school, they make our schools better places to learn, grow and thrive.

Being an advocate is about speaking up on behalf of your child — asking questions, raising concerns, asking for help — and teaching them to speak up, too. When things aren’t going well at school, you are a voice for your child. You know your child’s strengths, challenges, and interests. Advocating helps make sure your child has the support to thrive.

Below, we have put together some great resources you can share with your child's teachers and support staff including a selection of books with Trauma-informed approaches that are best practice for your child while at  school.


It's important to let school staff know their efforts are valued and how much they have made a difference in your child’s life. The key to good communication is maintaining open and mutually respectful relationships!  It's also about the power of a simple, heartfelt "thank you".

VIDEOS



What does a trauma sensitive middle/high school look like?

A middle/high school’s journey to create a trauma-sensitive, safe and supportive school. Highlighted in the video are the ways in which this school embraces parent engagement and student voice to help guide their efforts to create a vibrant learning community where all staff work together to create a school that embodies the values of safety, trusting relationships, connection, equity,  belonging, and adaptability. 
Find out more at: traumasensitiveschools.org

What is Self-Harm: Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Injury.

When a person inflicts self-injury but doesn’t want to end their life, it’s called Non-Suicidal Self-Injury. This can be a sign of psychological or emotional distress.

Psych2Go presents you 5 myths about self-harm.

Do you believe that people who self harm are usually teenagers who come from abused households? Or think that people who self harm do it to end their life? There are many stereotypes and false information out there about self-harm that may create a false image of what it is. This spread of misinformation can be dangerous and so it’s important to realize and understand what is true surrounding self-harm.