Tracy Bolano, MSW, LICSW: School Social Worker

Sunset at the Beach — DCYF Alternative Education Program

Services provided by the School Social Worker

*Adopted from the https://www.sswaa.org/school-social-work.

RELATED SERVICES

Participating in special education assessment meetings as well as individual Educational Planning Meetings.
Preparing a social or developmental history as a component of evaluation.
Counseling (group and/ or individual).
Mobilizing family, school, and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in his or her educational program.
Assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies.

SERVICES TO STUDENTS

Providing crisis intervention.
Developing intervention strategies to increase academic success.
Assisting with conflict resolution and anger management.
Helping the child develop appropriate social interaction skills.
Assisting the child in understanding and accepting self and others.

SERVICES TO PARENT/FAMILIES

Working with parents to facilitate their support in their children's school adjustment.
Assisting parents prepare for transition to community-based school settings.
Assisting parents in accessing and utilizing school, institutional and community resources.

SERVICES TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Providing staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) affecting a student’s performance and behavior.
Assessing students with mental health concerns.
Assisting teachers with behavior management.
Providing direct support to staff.

SCHOOL-COMMUNITY LIAISON

Obtaining and coordinating community resources to meet students' educational and vocational needs upon transition.
Advocating for new and improved community/school service to meet the needs of students and families.
Helping the system respond effectively to each child's needs.
Assist with transition to school of origin.
Assist students in career and post-secondary planning.

COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION WITH TREATMENT TEAMS AT THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Serve as the educational representative at Individual Treatment Team Meetings (ITP), Bi-Monthly Reviews (BMR) and Transition Planning Meetings (TPM).
Collaborate with other clinical service providers and staff members regularly to ensure coordinated care.
Provide educational summary to Rhode Island Family Court for reviews.

While youth are at the Youth Development Center, a heavy emphasis is placed on the development of relationship skills, responsible decision making, self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness.

Let’s work together!

About Me

Hello! Thank you for visiting the School Social Work page! My name is Tracy Bolano and I have been working at the Youth Development Center since September 2001. I have been specifically working as a School Social Worker since 2005. I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) by the Rhode Island Department of Health and certified by the Rhode Island Department of Education as a School Social Worker. I love my job and am passionate about helping students build upon their strengths and develop coping strategies to assist them in reaching their full potential. As a School Social Worker, I work to ensure equitable education opportunities and experiences for all students; ensure that students are mentally and emotionally present and prepared for the classroom; and work to promote dignity, respect and understanding for all students. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need any support or information!

Tracy Bolano | tracy.bolano@dcyf.ri.gov | 401-462-7258