Wilson County Department of Social Services Success in School NC Committee on Dropout Prevention
Target Group: Teenage Custodial Parents receiving child care subsidy assistance and enrolled in public school.
Success In School Initiative
Critical Risk Factors Breakdown of Family Poverty Substance abuse Criminal Activity Teen Parent Mental Health/Behavioral Issues Poor Academic Performance Poor Attendance
It all starts with the teen How will I manage school and a baby? I get no support from my family. How am I going to afford diapers? We are broke now as it is. Some people tell me I will never finish school. I have goals I want to reach!
Program Services – Intense Case Management Weekly, Bi-weekly or monthly contact School and/or home visits as needed Other communication efforts (monthly newsletters, texting, texting texting!) Time Management Planning SMART Goal Setting Repeat Pregnancy and Family Planning Counseling Financial Education
Program Services – Incentives and Motivations Incentives/rewards School supplies Other miscellaneous items (alarm clocks, tote bags, lanyards, pens, cups etc)
Program Services – Job readiness and employment Summer Job readiness class (M.O.R.E class) Referrals to Teen Employment Mentoring Program (TEMP) Summer Employment Opportunities (as funding allows)
Program Services – Other support services Transportation Assistance Referrals to Tutoring Intervention Services Collaboration, communication and advocating w/ school system
Teen Employment Mentoring Program
7 employers provide employment mentoring 15 at-risk teens enrolled -3 dropped out (program and school) -2 terminated from mentoring/employment due to severe character flaw but continue to remain in school 67% remain in school and/or graduated Teen Employment Mentoring Program
Results Matter! 4 Year Cohort Graduation Rates
Annual High School Dropout Rate for Wilson County
CONTACT INFORMATION Success In School: Tiffany HeffingtonNekia Lyons (252) (252) TEMP Program: Susan Parker (252)