Available to students

Beginning this month, there will be staff from Marshfield’s Personal Development Center (PDC) youth advocacy program coming to the Loyal School District to be available to the students. The PDC staff will offer one-on-one and small group sessions for Loyal School District students who wish to talk with them.

The meetings offered by PDC staff will be a safe place to discuss issues happening within the school and within our world, and staff will provide information on how to cope with emotions responsibly. The meetings will be based on the confidentiality policy, “What is said in this room, stays in this room,” and we require all facilitators and students to respect this rule. The only exception to this policy is if the student is in immediate or ongoing danger to themselves or others.

The Personal Development Center’s mission statement is to assist those in distress by identifying options and resources, promoting safety, building hope, and strengthening individuals, families, and our community through case management, advocacy and education.

Explicitly within our Youth Advocacy program, advocates can provide individual advocacy and support services for children who are victims/survivors of abuse or are otherwise identified as at risk. Educators know best that with every child, it can look different. Some examples of what advocacy can look like:

• Support groups

• Education and skill building regarding self-esteem building, healthy coping mechanisms, healthy relationships or safety planning

• Resources and referrals

• Prevention education

• Emotional support PDC services are free of charge and we are eager to provide a violence-free future.

If you do NOT want your child to meet with staff, please notify the school counselor’s office.