The aspiration of the Child Welfare, Attendance and Safety Department is to promote student success. We believe in the fundamental principle of equity and fair treatment of all Pasadena Unified School District students. All students will be provided fair access and opportunity to comprehensive services that meet their needs. We strive to create a culture of collaboration by engaging community stakeholders, families, students, and staff in strategically addressing the barriers to student success.

Through communication, collaboration, and engagement, our team of experienced professionals deliver student, family and community services, maximizing school achievement for students at all levels of learning and overcoming the academic, social, emotional, or physical barriers which may impede student success.

We focus on areas of: 

• Alternative Education Placement Committee
• ALternative to Suspension Program
• Attendance and Truancy
• Behavior Intervention
• Behavior RTI: Response to Intervention
• Bullying Prevention
• CWAS Mental Health Crisis Response Team
• Discipline Guidelines - Suspension, Expulsion, and Alternative to Suspension & Expulsion
• Foster Youth Community Liaison
• Foster Youth Consortium
• Foster Youth Sensitivity Training
• Mandated Child Abuse Reporting Training
• Master's in Social Work Intern Program
• Mental Health Consortium
• Mental Health Services
• Mentoring/Mentors for L.I.F.E.
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Section 504 Plan
• SARB (School Attendance Review Board)
• SART (School Attendance Review Team)
• Scholars Transitioning and Realizing Success (STARS)
• School Safety
• Social Emotional Supports
• PUSD Clinical Social Workers
• For more information contact CWAS 

Addressing Students’ Worry & Anxiety about Coronavirus COVID-19 

Children and teens react to anxiety and stress differently than adults. Some may react right away; others may show signs that they are having a difficult time much later.

Overhearing adult conversations about events happening in their communities, watching or reading the news can make them feel scared, confused, or anxious, in much the same way as adults. This is true even if they live far from where the outbreak is taking place and are at little or no risk of getting sick. 

As parents/caregivers, the best way you can support their wellness and healing is by staying calm. Children will react to what you say and how you say it. Make yourself available to listen and talk. Let them know that adults at home and school are taking care of their health and safety. Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio or online. Consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on the Coronavirus. Too much information on one topic can lead to fear, worry, and anxiety. 

Below are some helpful articles on talking to your children about the current viral outbreak. 

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf

Talking With Children:
Tips For Caregivers, Parents, And Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4886.pdf
Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/

Get Help
If you or your child are having a difficult time coping with the outbreak and want to seek outside help, contact your medical provider or insurance or speak to a trained counselor to get support regarding your anxiety or stress:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990

Note: this information is also available on the PUSD Health Programs Webpage

In December 2016, the Pasadena Unified Board of Education joined California educational institutions in approving the resolution 2386 “Safe Zones for Students Threatened by Immigration Enforcement.” Our schools will continue to be the anchors of our neighborhoods, where all students and their families are welcomed, valued, and supported. We will continue to collaborate with each other and our partners to achieve academic excellence, celebrate our strengths and cultural diversity. 

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