The Children's Wellness Initiative (CWI) program provides behavioral health services directly to children within Boston area schools. CWI clinicians (social workers) are fully embedded in each school, working alongside the school community. This approach meets kids where they are, improves access to care, and reduces stigma.
Each student has unique needs that encompass a range of emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. To address these needs, we create personalized treatment plans for each student, which may involve individual or group counseling, family therapy, and guidance for parents.
During the summer months, clinicians arrange to meet with students virtually, at their homes or camp locations to ensure continuity of services.
A distinctive aspect of this program is onsite child psychiatry. Psychiatry staff are available to evaluate student’s emotional and behavioral issues. When necessary, the psychiatrist may discuss the potential benefits of psychiatric treatment and medication therapy. Ongoing follow-up treatment at the school is provided as part of the service.
There may be instances where a student experiences an emotional or mental health crisis requiring additional interventions. In such cases, the CWI staff are available to assist students, their families, and the schools. The staff manages immediate crises by teaching coping strategies, identifying supports to prevent future crises.
Each student’s teacher receives continuous consultation to help them understand and address emotional, social, and family-related factors that may impact their students. This partnership connects academic achievements to the emotional well-being of each student, supporting students, school staff, and families.
To participate in the CWI program, students must attend one of our participating schools. Parents, caregivers, or teachers can refer a student for counseling services if they exhibit concerning emotional or social behaviors. The parent, caregiver, or teacher can contact the school’s site manager to schedule an intake session, with parent or guardian consent.
Payment for services is managed through the student’s health insurance plan. CWI therapists work to obtain insurance authorization before beginning treatment. Depending on the insurance, a co-payment may be necessary. All services are provided regardless of the family’s ability to pay.
In every CWI school, children have access to a full time, embedded licensed social worker as well as psychiatry services. These clinicians work with children and adolescents to assess behavioral health needs and develop tailored therapeutic plans, which include on-site school-based therapy. Psychiatry services are available to conduct further evaluation when necessary and address potential medication needs. Programming is year-long, with virtual options offered during summer recess.
For more information, please contact:
Kristan Bagley Jones, LICSW
Senior Director of Community Programs
617-254-3800, ext. 3040
kbagley-jones@franciscanchildrens.org