A new analysis produced by the New Jersey School Boards Association outlines issues and strategies for districts interested in doing more to support and serve students with mental health issues.
The 102-page report released in early September was conceived after the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, left 17 people dead, and amid rising rates of teen suicide.
Among the finding, Young people’s access to mental health services is severely limited. Among youth ages 8 to 15 with diagnosed mental illnesses, approximately half do not receive mental health services, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
In addition, the report underscores the need for School officials cannot address the mental health situation alone. Collaboration is essential. The safety of children depends on everyone who interacts with them. Schools, state and local government, community organizations and law enforcement must be partners in ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of youth.
The report includes 71 recommendation in 9 key areas for local school district to help them improve student access to quality mental health services, and suggested that schools implement social-emotional learning, a method for students to learn how to understand and discuss their emotions. It also recommended strategies such as conducting emotional climate surveys and enabling access to counseling.
While none of the findings or recommendations were specific to students with disabilities, the report recognizes that access and equity can be barrier, and recognized that not all student groups experience school safety and school climate in the same manner.
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