Cincinnati resources for 13 year old with academic and behavioral setbacks

March 22, 2011 5:10 PM

Cincinnati and southwest Ohio - resources for a 13 year old with behavioral and academic problems? Schools; tutoring; good therapists (including art therapy); nonprofits that help families and kids?

Friend's son is a great kid, but behind academically and has behavioral issues - impulsiveness, making threats, defiance, possibly physical - that have made it hard for him to stay in school. He's changed schools a few times, public and private. His family is supportive and determined. Looking for leads within 50 miles or so of Cincinnati for resources or programs that might be helpful.

Do you know a great:
- school, public or private, that has helped kids like this
- program for kids who've had a hard time staying in school
- therapist/psychiatrist/etc who works with troubled kids
- tutor or tutoring organization
- program/organization focusing on kids with behavioral or academic problems
- after-school program
- parents' group
- a place that offers help with paying for some of these things?

He's a good artist; any leads on good art programs or art-therapists?

posted by LobsterMitten to education (7 answers total)

Even though he may not have autism, you might check into your local autism society/association and or agencies as they might well provide access to some of this info, and perhaps may be able to get recommendations for services.
posted by kch at 5:26 PM on March 22, 2011

The school system should have a "parent resource center" or lending library for information about different programs that would be helpful. His parents could also contact his school district's social worker for such information and programs that are available.

Good luck to your friend's son! I work in a school and we love to see parents who are involved. It's really nice to see a friend of a kid involved.
posted by shortyJBot at 5:36 PM on March 22, 2011

Thirteen is just about the age when challenging behaviors overwhelm parents and teachers. Has this student had an IEP? If the IEP process is handled well, it can create an alliance between parents and teachers to form a team, which can be pretty effective in getting a student access to the resources they need. A good resource in Cincinnati for families going through tough times is Beech Acres.

I work with at-risk kids in an afterschool program at Cincinnati Public Schools, but only in specific schools. Right now I am at Rothenberg and Bond Hill, next quarter at Oyler and Academy of World Languages.
posted by tizzie at 5:03 AM on March 23, 2011

Check intoThe Springer School . It is expensive; the cost is generally considered a medical expense, and a lot of additional services (including tutoring, and therapies of different types) are included. (note that 13 is the oldest age at which they accept applications). I also think that if Springer doesn't think they are the right place, they will absolutely help find somewhere that is.

I second Tizzie that Cincinnati Public also has significant resources for this, in terms if IEPs and individual aides. That requires a lot of time and attention. Beech Acres is also great.

Also, have the parents called 411? The United Way can help in finding these types of resources, too. Most Counties have programs that help, depending on the age of the child and the
posted by dpx.mfx at 7:36 AM on March 23, 2011

I participated in Artworks years ago and it was a wonderful experience.

ArtWorks is a 15-year old non-profit arts organization that creates opportunities in the arts for artists of all ages. Teen and student artists ages 14-21 are hired for summer and after-school jobs to apprentice with professional artists to create incredible works of public art for the entire region to experience and enjoy. Apprentice Artists make art, learn from the most amazing local professional artists, meet teens and students from all over the tri-state, build their resumes and portfolios, gain professional and artistic skills and GET PAID to do it.

Many of the kids there were the type that probably had trouble fitting in at school. They were unique, creative individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. The program leaders were great at creating a very inclusive and supportive environment. I would highly recommend it as a program.
posted by halseyaa at 8:07 AM on March 23, 2011

Thank you all for these suggestions, I will be passing them along. (He is not on the autism spectrum, but it's a good idea to check with autism groups in case they know of food resources.) I will still be checking back here if anyone has more thoughts, too.
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:10 PM on March 23, 2011

"food" resources=good resources, that is!
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:11 PM on March 23, 2011