Demographic and social backdrop: How changes in society support the need for a services integration perspective to service delivery in schools and communities

The understanding educators and other human services professionals possess regarding societal pitfalls facing today's students suggests interventions and preventive mechanisms that must be employed in schools. For the educati on slogan "success for all" to be meaningful, all children have to be inclu ded; their societal baggage must be examined and effectively dealt with by the adults in their lives. Service integration models of delivery match up to the needs presented at the schoolhouse door as well as in the community. Integrated service delivery models speak to the necessity of addressing th e basic physical and psychological needs that children have, needs that mus t be met before successful education can take place. Educators have to be " educated" relative to the need for various other agency personnel to be inv olved in their schools with their children. Inclusive coordinated school he alth programs that involve the entire roster of community resources can sup ply the academic opportunity deserved by and guaranteed to the children and youth of America.