Listen to Children

In 1994, Broward County Children’s Services Division funded the Listen to Children Program, but that ended in 2003 with a shift in funding priorities. For the 2009-10 school year, the program qualified for a Byrne/Jag Stimulus Grant. United Way of Broward supported LTC for a three-year funding cycle (2010-11, 11-12, 12-13), but funding was not renewed. Although MHA receives limited funding from the City of Pompano Beach, Coral Springs Community Chest, and Lauderhill Educational Advisory Board, funding comes primarily from the generosity of donors who support the Listener Program.

Program Model: LTC recruits and trains volunteer Listeners who undergo 12 hours of training, receive Level 2 FBI FDLE Security Clearance from the School Board, and receive ongoing support in the form of monthly Advisory Group Meetings. Parents or caretakers must sign consent for the child to participate. Teachers, School Counselors, or parents identify students projected to benefit. Common reasons why children get referred include difficulty with peer relationships, low self-esteem, and trouble adapting to life changes (recent move to a new school, divorce/remarriage of parents, illness/death of a family member). This is a prevention program and is not recommended for children with severe behavioral issues.

The Listener Program does not have academic focus. Although Listeners don’t tutor students (unless the child wants that), data collected from Teacher Pre and Post Surveys shows that readiness to learn and engagement in school activities do increase! It makes sense that children dealing with stressful situations or social issues can better focus when they have someone to talk with and trust. At times, it’s easier for children to share their feelings with a Listener than with a family member, like when a child is grieving but doesn’t want to upset family members who are also experiencing grief.