Wraparound Services for Enhancing School Safety in Newark, NJ

The Newark Community Street Team School Case Management (SCM) program addresses significant challenges faced by school-aged youth in Newark's South and West Wards. These areas experience high levels of violence and absenteeism, impacting students' academic performance, psychological well-being, and overall safety. The SCM initiative will enhance school safety, improve academic outcomes, and foster a supportive community environment for students. Targeting high-risk schools, SCM seeks to reduce violent incidents, support high-risk youth and families with wrap-around services, and increase community engagement while improving the school safety climate. Case Managers will provide intensive case management, developing personalized support plans for students that include regular check-ins, goal-setting, and connecting them to resources like tutoring and mental health services. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach involving schools, community-based organizations, mental health professionals, and families, with bi-weekly meetings to assess progress and adjust strategies. This program will serve students (and their families) who attend five schools in the South and West Wards of Newark. School selection will be based on data evaluations, school administrations, and community feedback to address high levels of violence, truancy, and low academic performance. To ensure effective intervention and prevention efforts, all of Newark Community Street Team's Outreach Workers are trained in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution. Through the incorporation of community feedback sessions and public safety roundtables, this SCM initiative remains responsive to the community's needs. The Newark Community Street Team's case managers build relationships with youth and families in high-risk areas, providing immediate support during incidents and connecting individuals to necessary services. By addressing educational disparities and implementing culturally responsive outreach, Newark Community Street Team 's SCM aims to advance equity and remove barriers to services for historically underserved and marginalized communities in Newark. SCM's comprehensive support and wrap-around services aim to break the cycle of violence, reduce absenteeism, and improve academic performance. By leveraging community partnerships and addressing the multifaceted needs of students and families, the SCM program seeks to create a safer, more supportive environment conducive to learning and personal growth.