School avoidance, a pattern of disengagement or long-term absence from school, has risen in tandem with the mental health crisis among youth in NYC. This webinar explores school avoidance and the chronic absenteeism that can result from it. The training discusses the signs of school avoidance, the relationship between school avoidance and mental health, and the rights of students and families struggling with this challenge. As Advocates for Children of New York staff are not clinicians, this webinar will focus on advocacy rather than clinical treatment, and participants will strengthen their ability to advocate for students who are exhibiting school-avoidant behaviors.