The Children’s Aid Middle School STH Program

The NYCPS Office of Students in Temporary Housing, in conjunction with the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) and CIDI, partnered with Children's Aid to design and implement a pilot initiative to support middle school students in temporary housing (STH). Children's Aid's program aimed to improve school attendance, socio-emotional well-being, and educational outcomes. A foundational part of the program was its Youth Advocates, social workers and counselors who provided or facilitated comprehensive support to students and their families. This study aimed to identify lessons learned and implications for the program itself, for its future expansion, and for other efforts to assist students in temporary housing.

Findings

All types of interviewees overwhelmingly reported positive experiences with the Middle School STH program. Key findings include:

• Parents most appreciated informational, material, and financial assistance; mentorship by Youth Advocates; and field trips offering new experiences. Students, parents, and school staff described opportunities to improve the program by identifying the need for flexible scheduling.
• Youth Advocates effectively connected parents and school staff, improving communication and fostering trust.
• Youth Advocates linked academic effort to participation in enjoyable program activities, motivating students.
• Youth Advocates helped students manage their emotions and avoid behavioral issues, and kept parents informed about their child's progress. Eighth grade students transitioning into high school expressed apprehension about losing program support when making this move.

Impacts

• The connections Youth Advocates built with students, families, and school staff allowed for clearer communication and trust-building between the school and parents.
• Parents expressed less stress in navigating the school and addressing their child's developmental needs.
• Students felt heard and understood by trusted mentors who supported their academic and behavioral growth while also providing new experiences.

Documents and Links

• Middle School STH Report

Partners

• Children's Aid