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Needs Assessment

Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative

This webpage outlines the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, including the School Screening Readiness Report. This report identifies five key domains of readiness for universal mental health screening derived from the results of a readiness survey. It then articulates three recommended phases for implementation. Finally, it reviews existing mental health resources and services and those in development, along with implementation support, that will be provided by ISBE in areas of governance, oversight, and policy guidance. It concludes with a timeline for implementation of universal mental health screening in all school districts by the end of the 2027-28 school year.

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Children’s Adversity Index – Illinois

The Children’s Adversity Index measures community-level adversity in order to estimate exposure to potential sources of childhood trauma. The index offers a clearer view of the challenges facing communities across Illinois. Although calculated at the district level to meet the statutory requirements, the index is not about school districts themselves. Rather, the data provides insights into the communities each school district serves. The index provides a useful tool for a wide range of state- and regional-level policymakers, nonprofits, state agencies, and other stakeholders to help them make better informed decisions about resource allocation, policies, and programming, and prioritize communities most in need. (IL Public Act 103-0413)

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Trauma-Responsive Schools Implementation Assessment (TRS-IA)

The Trauma-Responsive Schools Implementation Assessment (TRS-IA) is a school-wide, evidence-informed quality improvement tool designed to help schools identify strengths and areas for growth in trauma-responsive practices. The TRS-IA generates a detailed feedback report highlighting school strengths and areas for growth across eight domains. This report serves as a catalyst for action planning, programming, and policy development, helping teams build school cultures rooted in safety, equity, and healing. Developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), the Treatment and Services Adaptation Center for Resilience, Hope, and Wellness in Schools, and the National Center for School Mental Health, the TRS-IA supports schools in creating safer, more supportive environments for students impacted by trauma.

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Trauma-Responsive, Healing-Centered Engagement Assessment Facilitator Guide

This is a step-by-step complementary guide for schools completing the Trauma-Responsive Schools Implementation Assessment (TRS-IA), which is a school-wide, evidence-informed quality improvement tool designed to help schools identify strengths and areas for growth in trauma-responsive practices. Developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), the Treatment and Services Adaptation Center for Resilience, Hope, and Wellness in Schools, and the National Center for School Mental Health, the TRS-IA supports schools in creating safer, more supportive environments for students impacted by trauma.

The TRS-IA generates a detailed feedback report highlighting school strengths and areas for growth across eight domains. This report serves as a catalyst for action planning, programming, and policy development, helping teams build school cultures rooted in safety, equity, and healing.

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SEL Staff Survey Needs Assessment Facilitator Guide

This is a complementary, step-by-step guide to completing CASEL’s SEL Staff Survey Needs Assessment tool, which is used as a starting point in supporting schools and districts in creating a safe, supportive school environment. Indicators guide how schools may demonstrate success in each area within the nine domains of SEL Staff Survey. Overall, the assessment tool provides suggestions for action planning that can be adjusted to meet the needs of the school and/or district using it. Resources to further support action planning can be found through the RSSI system as well as the Action Plan Facilitator Guide found here.

The School-based Staff SEL Implementation Survey is a tool used in the SEL pillar of the Resilient Supportive Schools Illinois (RSSI) initiative, and is designed to be taken by staff members working in one school setting. The data and results will support school-based SEL teams in collecting data on staff SEL implementation practices and perceptions.

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School Mental Health Quality Assessment (SMHQA) Guide

This is a complementary guide to completing the School Mental Health Quality Assessment (SMHQA) assessment tool, which is a starting point in supporting schools and districts in creating a safe and supportive school environment. Indicators guide how schools may demonstrate success in each area within the seven domains of SMHQA. The examples are a guide and can be used as a starting point for quality improvement initiatives. Overall, the assessment tool provides suggestions for action planning that can be adjusted to meet the needs of the school and/or district using it. Resources to further support action planning can be found through the RSSI and SHAPE systems as well as the Action Plan Facilitator Guide.

The SMHQA is designed for teams to assess the comprehensiveness of their school mental health system and to identify priority areas for improvement. The Assessment is composed of seven domains (Teaming, Needs Assessment/Resource Mapping, Screening, Mental Health Promotion, Early Intervention and Treatment, Funding and Sustainability, Impact).

*Note that there are two versions of the SMHQA: one for schools and one for districts. Please access the assessment that makes sense for your work.

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CARE Assessment Facilitator Guide

This is a complementary guide to the Culturally Responsive, Anti-Racist, and Equitable (CARE) assessment, walking teams through the assessment process. The CARE school assessment tool is designed to be completed by a school team, whether an existing or newly formed one. Note: The scoring for this assessment will be through the SHAPE system. Final scores should also be added to the RSSI app.

Facilitation of the CARE school assessment process can be led by school or district personnel. Support is also available through RSSI in collaboration with statewide partners and Social-Emotional Learning Hub coaches. Teams are encouraged to reach out if external facilitation would support their reflection or planning efforts.

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Action Planning Facilitator Guide

This guide will take you through the REACH process for your action planning. Specifically, it will provide your school team with tools and resources for developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving resilience-supportive policies, processes and practices.

REACH is a model for creating positive change in schools that consists of four steps: school team formation, evidence-based assessment, action planning, and implementation support. Initially focused exclusively on Trauma-Responsiveness and Healing-Centeredness, REACH has expanded to also include three additional pillars: Mental Health; Social and Emotional Learning; and CARE (Cultural Awareness, Responsiveness and Equity).

Schools play a central and critical role in helping students build their capacity to cope with stress and life problems – in other words, resilience. Research shows that the majority of students experiencing mental health challenges receive the help they need from staff in their school. When they feel safe and supported, students have more capacity to be creative, innovative and open to learning.

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Trauma-Responsive Schools Implementation Assessment: TRS-IA

This course and Data-Driven Action Planning course are part of the learning series for schools involved in the REACH and/or RSSI programs. This course helps teams review school data, set trauma-responsive goals, develop SMARTIE action steps, monitor progress, and collaborate effectively. This course helps school teams learn to create trauma-informed environments with TRS-IA administration and action-planning frameworks.

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