National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance

A quick summary prepared by the Chesapeake Institute for the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Office of Special Education Programs.

This report suggests strategic targets for achieving better results for children and youth with serious emotional disturbance:

1. Expand Positive Learning Opportunities and Results
2. Strengthen School and Community Capacity
3. Value and Address Diversity
4. Collaborate with Families
5. Promote Appropriate Assessment
6. Provide Ongoing Skill Development and Support
7. Create Comprehension and Collaborative Systems

This type of information is critical to understand as youthworkers. Many times, the kids and youth who we are working with have experienced some form of emotional abuse. When youth participate in our programs, we have an opportunity to provide an alternative positive environment where we can set up scaffolds to aid in the development of alternative responses.

I would encourage you to take the time to explore these materials.

Steve