Addressing School Refusal: Strategies for Supporting System-Involved Youth

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, MSW

Date: June 10, 2025

Time: 9:15am - 3:15pm

Location: Virtual – Zoom

Agency: A Better Way Inc.

Participants must complete registration via the A Better Way Inc. website in order to gain full access to the training course.

COMPLETE REGISTRATION HERE: A Better Way Training

A Better Way is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor Continuing Education for LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, LEP (62361). This course meets the qualifications for Continuing Education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. A Better Way maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Please email the training department at trainings@abetterwayinc.net for further assistance.

This course is designed to provide participants with practical strategies to address the increasing issue of school refusal among system involved students. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the causes and impact of school refusal, learn to identify signs of school refusal, and explore evidence-based approaches to support system involved students in returning to school. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, participants will leave with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement individualized strategies for students experiencing school refusal. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Participants can apply their understanding of school refusal, including its definition, prevalence, and potential causes to help them recognize and address this issue more effectively.

Participants can use and share their toolkit of evidence-based strategies to support system involved students experiencing school refusal, fostering their successful return to school, and promoting their academic and social well-being.

1.) Identify at least three common signs of school refusal and explain at least 2 of their underlying causes for system involved youth. 2.) Build personalized strategies for two hypothetical youth engaging in school refusal by integrating at least 2 evidence-based strategies and accommodations. 3.) Explain three effective strategies for engaging parents/caregivers and involving community resources in addressing school refusal. 4.) Build a custom toolkit for addressing issues regarding school refusal with system-involved youth clients.