PUSD Named Agency of the Year by USC School of Social Work

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) announced that its School-Based Mental Health Clinic (SBMHC) was selected by the University of Southern California (USC) Graduate School of Social Work to receive their coveted “USC School of Social Work Agency of the Year” award.

“Our school-based mental health staff are critical to our overall strategy to link students to the social services they need for success inside and outside of the classroom,” said Edwin Diaz, Superintendent of Schools. “They are part of our overall problem-solving approach to removing barriers to student success. They provide early intervention and support when students first show signs of faltering in school.”

Each year, the USC School of Social Work faculty selects an agency that has been an outstanding partner in the education of social work students.  This year, the faculty enthusiastically nominated and selected the Pasadena Unified School District for distinguished service to the USC School of Social Work.  The award cites the work of Elaine Lomas, Director, PUSD SBMHC, who serves as a field instructor to eight graduate social work student interns who provide mental health counseling services to students and their families at PUSD schools.

The USC interns support PUSD’s broader strategy to reduce truancy by providing early intervention and assistance to parents and students to improve school attendance.

PUSD’s Child Welfare, Attendance and Safety Division, created last year, has partnered with the Pasadena City Attorney to develop a pilot anti-truancy program at Wilson Middle School and John Muir High School.  There is early evidence that the program is proving successful in reducing truancy through early identification and intervention.  The ability to provide social services assistance to families struggling with difficult financial, economic or emotional challenges has helped many students reestablish a positive attendance record.

“Truancy reduction, links to supportive social services and viable alternative education options are all key to reducing the number of students who drop out of school,” said Diaz.  “This comprehensive approach will enable us to keep students engaged in school, and give them the support they need to graduate prepared for college and a career.”

For the latest news and information about the Pasadena Unified School District, including Board of Education Meeting Highlights, watch KLRN-TV or go to www.pusd.us.