EACS expands mentoring program

August 3rd, 2016

Court providing district two more case managers

The East Allen County Schools board Tuesday approved the expansion of a mentoring program for children at risk.

A memorandum of understanding between the school district and Allen Superior Court allows the district to expand the Check & Connect program.

The district will use $30,000 in Safe Haven funds obtained through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to provide two more part-time case managers, one at New Haven Middle School and one at Heritage High School. That’s in addition to the part-time case manager that has been at New Haven High School the past two years.

Check & Connect is described as a truancy prevention and mentoring program. EACS is a partner with Allen Superior Court and Judge Daniel Heath.

“The mentoring program is for young students who maybe are not making the right decisions,” said Rose Fritzinger, EACS director of development.

The court provides the case managers and the schools provide office space, equipment and supplies. Guidance counselors and teachers are key to making student referrals for the program.

Also Tuesday, the board heard a proposal to extend a contract for individual and group counseling with the Bowen Center for the next three years. Bowen counselors help children cope with grief, divorce, frustration and anger issues, said Connie Brown, director of special services.