Family & Community Partnership

Implementation of Universal Mental Health Screening in Illinois Schools

Illinois State Board of Education developed a strategic approach in 2023, which was supported by the release of a Readiness Tool to understand school districts’ capacity to implement universal mental health screening of all students in Illinois. The report is the next step to guide a phased approach to universal mental health screening of all K-12 students enrolled in Illinois school districts. Find the Landscape Scan on Mental Health Screening Practices report, Readiness Tool and School Screening Readiness report on ISBE’s website.  

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School Mental Health Quality Guides

These guides from the National Center for School Mental Health provide information to help school mental health systems advance the quality of their services and supports. There is a unique guide for each of the seven domains of the SMHQ Assessment: teaming, need assessment and resource mapping, screening, teaming, Tier 1, Tiers 2 and 3 (services and supports), funding and sustainability, and impact. Each guide contains background information on the domain, best practices, possible action steps, examples from the field, and resources.

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Centers of Wellness – Example of Mental Health Teaming

Read about how the Sacramento County Office of Education connect with students, families and school staff by providing mental health supports on campus. They work with the school community to reduce barriers and stigma regarding mental health issues and to increase access to care for students and families. The purpose of a Coordination of Services Team (COST) is to provide students equitable access to education by coordinating school-wide efforts to ensure that the overall system of support works together effectively. COST area of focus takes a holistic approach and includes academic, behavioral, attendance, social-emotional, mental health, and overall wellness.

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School Climate; Culturally responsive, anti-racist and equitable schools (CARE) – RSSI Investing Playlist

In a culturally responsive school or district, students’, families’, and educators’ cultures are included in all aspects of supports and services that promote well-being and mental health. Anti-racist policies and practices promote equity and oppose racism and other forms of oppression. Equitable schools and districts provide the climate and resources that enable all students and educators to perform at their highest level. Culturally responsive, anti-racist and equitable (CARE) schools and districts embrace cultural differences and assets; use cultural knowledge to promote wellness and academic success; mediate power imbalances based on cultural identities; and work to dismantle systems of injustice.

The resources in this learning playlist focus on building a positive school climate and are recommended for schools or districts that have already done work in this area and want to continue to move it forward. 

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Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems: Guidance from the Field

Comprehensive school mental health systems provide an array of supports and services that promote positive school climate, social and emotional learning, and mental health and well-being, while reducing the prevalence and severity of mental illness. This 2019 guide from National Center for School Mental Health offers collective insight and guidance to local communities and states to advance comprehensive school mental health systems. Contents were informed by examination of national best practices and performance standards, local and state exemplars, and recommendations provided by federal/national, state, local and private leaders.

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Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model: Case Example

Read about The BHS department is comprised of over 100 school psychologists and over 50 graduate students, which support all BPS schools to provide student-level services (e.g. counseling & interventions) and systems-level services (e.g. climate team facilitation). Every child experiences a pro-social curriculum as part of their classroom and school experience. Teachers periodically review each of their students’ behavioral health strengths and needs. Students in need of additional support are provided appropriate services in a timely fashion. Teams of teachers and administrators review student behavioral health data and process on a regular basis. Community partners, families, and school personnel meet periodically and are in consistent communication about children who are receiving support.
This work is aligned with NASP Practice Model.

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Parent Guidance: Resources for Caregivers

This website includes a library of courses, developed by mental health experts, offer hope, answers, and compassionate help for caregivers. The site also offers a section called “Ask a Therapist,” where caregivers can find answers to common though difficult questions they might have about their child. Caregivers can also learn the skills to recognize address suicidal thoughts in your children. Explore risk factors, warning signs, how to respond appropriately.

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Teaming Guide for School Mental Health

A school mental health team is a group of school and community stakeholders at the school-or district-level that meets regularly, uses data-based decision making, and relies on action planning to support student mental health. This guide contains background information on teaming, best practices, possible action steps, examples from the field, and resources.

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