September 2023 | Volume 4, Number 1 | | |
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The U.S. has a youth mental health crisis. School mental health services help address the crisis. In late 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) declared a National State of Emergency in Children's Mental Health. In addition, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health to highlight the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis. Both the declaration from the AAP, AACP, CHA and the Surgeon General's Advisory have intensified efforts to align policymakers at all levels of government and advocates for children and adolescents to fight for stronger systems of prevention and care for our youth.
SY 2023-2024: Prepare, Inspire, and Engage
Through our School Mental Health Initiative, public and private K-12 schools in New England gain access to evidence-based mental health resources to enhance school culture and prepare the school mental health workforce to extend trauma-skilled practices. Our efforts are designed to help schools cultivate compassionate school communities that buffer against the negative effects of trauma, build resilience for all students, and provide stress-relief and enhanced well-being for teachers and other school personnel, as well as students.
We also hope to inspire educators to grow as compassionate and empowered professionals who uplift their schools and communities. We offer a variety of interactive, practice-based training and technical assistance activities for educators and mental health professionals. Our programs, services, and collaborations are designed to increase the ability of school leaders to engage staff, teachers, students, families, and community stakeholders in mission-critical efforts while also fostering a thriving, positive school climate.
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Learn how you can foster a more inclusive and compassionate school environment | |
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The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges school communities face. Amid school budget constraints and changing sociopolitical landscapes, school leaders are struggling to find ways to create inclusive learning environments, support student mental health, and address educator burnout.
One of the best ways to highlight need is through the use of data. The CSLA is supported by a customized assessment tool—the School Compassionate Culture Analytical Tool for Educators (S-CCATE). This cutting-edge social-emotional learning tool helps educators vision, plan, and monitor progress toward implementing compassionate, trauma-informed classroom practices.
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Get the data you need to gain insight into your school's culture. | |
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We are recruiting schools nationwide to take the S-CCATE.
Any on-site school staff, including teachers, administrators, school psychologists, social workers, and school aides, can complete this online assessment.
- Those schools with seven or more responses will receive an Action Guide highlighting strengths and areas of growth.
- Use our recommendations to monitor progress toward the implementation of trauma-informed practices in classrooms.
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If you get seven additional staff in your school to respond, you will be automatically entered to win one of ten $100 gift cards.
Additionally, participating schools will be randomly selected to join the CSLA's Clinical Trial to investigate how individualized coaching and professional development can help improve school climate.
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Creating safe and supportive environments that support student mental health.
As we prepare for the sixth year of the MHTTC School Mental Health Initiative, one priority of ours, which many schools nationwide are also mindful of, is school violence prevention, intervention, and recovery efforts.
Creating safe and supportive environments with an emphasis on school mental health can deter school violence while supporting the school workforce, equity, school climate, and more effective learning. Access free mental health literacy training for educators, Classroom WISE, and the Classroom WISE Implementation Guide. These free resources assist K-12 educators and school staff support students' mental health in the classroom.
In addition to a free online course on mental health literacy for educators and school staff, a video library and resource collection are also available!
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Promoting holistic mental health supports for everyone in the school community.
This year we are also prioritizing the need to address the intersection between bullying and youth mental health and violence, as well as recruitment and retention of school mental health staff.
Access related resources:
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Training and Technical Assistance | |
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SAVE THE DATES
November 1 & 2
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2023 MHTTC Grief Sensitivity Virtual Learning Institute | |
This coming November, in honor of Children's Grief Awareness Month, join the MHTTC Network and leading grief experts across the country to strengthen grief sensitivity skills, techniques, and interventions.
Register now for this two-day, no-cost, training experience for the mental health and school mental health workforce.
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Practical Guidance, Resources, and Community | |
The New England MHTTC School Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). | |
Please distribute to your contact list and encourage others to subscribe to the latest school mental health news in the region. | | | | |
