In response to the current needs of students and families as they resume in-person and hybrid schooling, Astor Services for Children & Families has launched a back to school screening initiative. The program is available completely free of charge to schools in the Bronx and aimed at helping children from Pre-K to grade 12.

This screening initiative helps schools address the current needs of students and families as they return to school, focusing on parenting stress, behavioral health and children’s and families’ overall well-being. Social and economic factors including food insecurities, housing, access to medical care and to technology are all factors that can impact mental health.

“During this pandemic, the stress on families and children is enormous,” said Todd Karlin, Psy.D., chief program officer at Astor Services. “This is heightened now, with in-person schooling returning for the first time since March. We are happy we can share this free program, utilizing a team of a clinician, family peer advocate and behavioral specialist, to support schools in guiding students and families throughout the process.”

Astor Services is offering hybrid opportunities for participation in the screening process, including phone, video or in-person interviews. The program will provide referrals to participants on community and school resources available to them. It will also provide aggregate data and feedback to schools on program impact while maintaining confidentiality for the families.

For more information on the program, please contact Tiffany Wilson, supervisor SYNC/CFTS Services at (646) 761-3517.

To learn more about Astor’s programs and services, visit, www.astorservices.org.

About Astor

Since 1953, Astor Services for Children & Families has been providing behavioral and educational services in a caring environment where children and their families find strength, healing, hope and trust. The organization, which has been accredited with The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, now

serves more than 10,000 children and families annually in more than 70 locations. Astor’s range of services in the Hudson Valley (Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties) and the Bronx include: Residential Programs; Early Childhood Programs; and Community - Based Behavioral Health and Prevention Services.

Visit the organization online at www.astorservices.org