KidSuccess: Making a difference at Thomas Jefferson High School

JFS is celebrating the 30th anniversary of our school-based mental health program, KidSuccess, throughout the year. Samanda Davis, a social worker at Thomas Jefferson High School, believes KidSuccess has been at her school for 10 years, and she shares her thoughts about the program and its impact on their school. 

Q:  How do you feel the program has impacted the overall well-being of students? 

SD:  We have formed a great partnership through the KidSuccess program, and we are lucky to have access to the program within my building. The kids who participate have all benefited from the program and have demonstrated social emotional growth. 

Q:  How well does the program collaborate with other school staff, like counselors and administrative personnel? 

SD:  We have formed a strong collaboration with the agency. We spend time problem-solving what is best for children. 

Q:  Why is school-based mental health so important? 

SD:  It is important to have a school-based mental health provider so that we can have close collaboration with treatment plans and easy access for kids who would find community-based therapy a barrier and to ensure we are providing equitable practices. 

Q:  Have you noticed any changes or trends over the years? 

SD:  I feel that this program has provided strong therapists with excellent clinical approaches while understanding how school systems work. 

Q:  Is there anything else you’d like to share? 

SD:  We have loved all our therapists from this program!