Rick TekipCook County Juvenile ProbationEquip for Equality ConsortiumFebruary 26, 2014
Why Education Advocacy? PO’s goal to help overcome obstacles to success EAU proposed by POs who noticed
1. students leaving JTDC struggled to get back into school
2. students who did not get back into school risked re- detention
3. families struggled to navigate issues surrounding special education & discipline/expulsion
Education Advocacy’s 4 Main Functions1.Re-entry2.School Placement3.Special Education4.Discipline/Expulsions
• Most often, challenges and needs of students are cross-categorical
Challenges Resistance/Sabotage from parents No available parent/guardian Resistance from students Pushback or lack of knowledge from schools Knowing what’s out there & keeping track (laws, policies,
individual school guidelines) Gang issues/boundaries Repeated arrests/VOPs/detentions (back and forth to NBJ) Gaps in school attendance Unique situations Staff shortages and caseload considerations
Challenges Resistance/Sabotage from Parents
Danny’s Survey Amari’s Case
Resistance from Students Karlester’s Case
Gang Issues/Boundaries Ramon, Manuel & Christian’s case Does not only mean leaving the neighborhood
Challenges
Pushback or Lack of Knowledge from Schools Key to effective networking/relationship with schools Natoria’s case
Challenges
Knowing what’s out there & keeping track (laws, policies, individual school guidelines)
Challenges Unique situations
Can be time-consuming & challenging, but a learning experience
Wei’s case
Gaps in School Attendance—Excessive Truancy Gabrielle’s case
Staff Shortages & Caseload Considerations
Important Traits for Dealing with Challenging Situations Networking Confidence Communication Patience & Understanding Kindness & Professionalism Remaining Firm Adhering to Confidentiality but remaining honest Be open-minded
Patience & Understanding
Most importantly, be patient with YOURSELF
Pressures coming from families, court, bosses----forget about it and take your time
Patience & Understanding
Be patient & understanding with your families
There’s history behind what they present
They don’t know the system
Contact Information
Richard (Rick) TekipCook County Juvenile Probation1100 S. Hamilton Chicago, Illinois [email protected]
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