Preventing the School-to-Prison Pipeline: An Innovative Collaboration between Social Work, Legal Services, and Public Health

Thursday, April 12, 2018
Boston University College of General Studies
871 Commonwealth Avenue
Room 511
5:30 - 7:00pm

The school-to-prison pipeline refers to a trend in which punitive school disciplinary policies and practices increase the likelihood that children will become involved with the criminal justice system. The school-to-prison pipeline is a critical public health and racial equity issue as it disproportionately affects low-income students, students of color, and students with disabilities. Children of color with emotional and behavioral challenges are excluded from school at the highest rates.

This event will feature an innovative, interprofessional partnership between lawyers from Massachusetts Advocates for Children and Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) team members from Dimock Community Service Agency/Justice Resource Institute. Their partnership combines CBHI case management and services with legal training, consultation and representation for children and families in school discipline and special education matters in Boston. The panelists will also highlight systems-level approaches to combat the school-to-prison pipeline, including a discussion of current MA laws related to school discipline, safe and supportive schools, and pending legislation related to the use of student arrests in schools.

Speakers:
Maria Dixon, BA
Senior Family Partner
Dimock Community Service Agency | Justice Resource Institute

Vigny Fong, LCSW
Intensive Care Coordinator
Dimock Community Service Agency | Justice Resource Institute

Liza Hirsch, Esq.
Staff Attorney
Massachusetts Advocates for Children

Stephanie Molina, Esq.
Bart J. Gordon Fellow/Staff Attorney
Massachusetts Advocates for Children

Moderator:
Astraea Augsberger, PhD
Assistant Professor
BU School of Social Work

*2 Free CECs Available*

This event is jointly sponsored by the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health and the BU-ALPS (Advancing Leadership in Public Health Social Work) HRSA grant.

Questions? ciswh@bu.edu

For more information on CISWH: bu.edu/ciswh