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?Hope' stands ready to help kids, families of YPS

York News-Times - 3/3/2017

YORK ? There is lots of hope at York Public School, of course there is, but there's also "HOPE" and, for York kids and families, its name is Laura Cole.

Beth Ericson, the administrator for special education for the district, reported to the board in what is YPS's second year of HOPE (Harnessing Optimism and Potential through Education.)

HOPE provides direct counseling services to students and also supports the family as a whole.

Ericson introduced Laura Cole, LMHP, the provider of services, saying, "She's doing a great job."

Cole, she said, has brought a high degree of professionalism and stability to the program.

In the past school year, the first for HOPE in York, Ericson said 40 students were referred to the program for "mostly mental health issues" often driven by death of a parent, divorce, ADHS, autism and other issues.

Board member Barb Skaden asked Ericson if the program "has been around a while" and whether "it's national."

Ericson's answer was no on both counts.

"It's our own little program," she said.

Ericson credited York County Attorney Candace Bottorf as "a huge influence" on the program's existence.

"She's been a positive partner," she commented.

The reception from parents to counseling, Ericson said, has been "overall very positive. One or two families have, for whatever reason, refused."

Problems which lead to HOPE referral from a teacher or counselor at any grade are indicated in the numbers for 2016-17.

? Mental health/behavioral issues (depression, anxiety, ADHD, spectrum disorders (20 students).

? Death of a parent (2 students).

? Family dynamics such as divorce (21 students).

The value of the program to York students, said Ericson, is monumental.

School budgets are tight everywhere and York is certainly no exception, yet Ericson is adamant about HOPE, "I would give up about anything (else) to keep it going."