YMHC at the International Network for School Attendance (INSA) Conference: Partnering to Advance Attendance
From October 30th to November 1st, 2024, Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC) will join global education and health professionals, advocates for school attendance, and others committed to the life-changing power of education at the International Network for School Attendance (INSA) conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. This three-day event, focused on "Partnering to Advance Attendance," brings together dedicated individuals and organizations to discuss critical issues related to school absenteeism and explore solutions to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive in their education.
YMHC will present a workshop on "School-Wide Strategies to Support Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Chronic School Absenteeism." This session aims to empower educators, school administrators, and mental health professionals with tools and approaches to address the growing crisis of chronic school absenteeism—a pressing issue that impacts youth mental health, substance use, and even suicide prevention. The workshop will focus on proactive and school-wide strategies to identify, support, and re-engage students struggling with attendance.
Symposium Spotlight: Supporting Students Who Experience Chronic Absenteeism
YMHC Executive Director, Sheryl Boswell, will lead a symposium titled School and Community-Wide Strategies to Support Students Who Experience Chronic School Absenteeism. The focus will be on how schools can implement protective mental wellness factors, offer needs-based educational support, and foster school and community-wide systems for upstream prevention.
Chronic absenteeism, particularly among students experiencing school phobia or avoidance, significantly hinders their ability to receive an education and build a foundation for their future. Many students facing these challenges often lose more than just time in the classroom; they risk falling behind academically, losing vital peer connections, and disengaging from the structure and support that school provides. YMHC emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns through mental health support, educational accommodations, and community collaboration.
Key Approaches: A Whole-School, Collaborative Effort
Schools play a crucial role in identifying students at risk of school avoidance or chronic absenteeism. YMHC advocates for whole-school strategies that involve early identification, comprehensive assessments, and collaborative intervention plans. This approach focuses on placing the student at the center of the intervention, ensuring their individual needs are addressed with input from a multidisciplinary team of educators, mental health professionals, and community resources.
YMHC’s Commitment to Mental Wellness and Education
Since its inception, YMHC has remained committed to supporting youth mental health and empowering schools to address the challenges associated with absenteeism. By providing workshops, training courses, and evidence-based resources, YMHC helps educators and mental health professionals develop effective strategies to support students. In addition, YMHC’s resources, such as their guidebook on supporting students with school phobia, are valuable tools for schools and families alike. These resources offer actionable strategies, support plans, and mental wellness frameworks designed to re-engage students in their education and improve their overall well-being.
Join the Conversation
YMHC’s participation at the INSA conference underscores its dedication to fostering change in the education system and addressing the mental health challenges that contribute to chronic absenteeism. By collaborating with global leaders in education and school attendance, YMHC aims to bring attention to the importance of mental wellness, proactive school support, and collaborative community efforts in supporting students who struggle with school attendance.
For more information on YMHC’s work and resources, visit their official website.