School-based Mental Health

A Framework for Intervention

By (author) Debra Lean, Vincent A. Colucci

Hardback - £56.00

Publication date:

25 January 2013

Length of book:

160 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

ISBN-13: 9781610486439

School-based Mental Health: A Framework for Intervention provides essential steps for integrating community-based personnel and programs into school systems for the provision of mental health services. Based on the current school mental health research and practice landscape, the framework consists of governance structures, funding methods, accountability procedures, system change protocols, multi-tiered systems of support, training guidelines and the implementation process. Comprehensive checklists, templates and examples are included. The framework builds on the School-based Integrated Support Services Model (SISSM), developed in our preceding book, Barriers to Learning: The Case for Integrated School Mental Health Services. A unique component of the framework is the key integration role allocated to school-based district-employed mental health professionals. This innovative framework facilitates the provision of evidence-based mental health interventions that are aligned with school district goals and needs.

As communities struggle to identify and serve children who are at risk for mental health problems, schools are the logical hub for provision of a range of services from prevention through targeted interventions. In their book, Lean and Colucci provide guides, resources, and tools to make this possible through integrated school-based mental health initiatives. They clearly lay out the processes for governance, assessments, implementation, accountability, and sustaining the collaborative mental health supports needed to ensure that every child and youth is able to learn not only the academic, but also the social-emotional skills that will foster healthy adaptation. Educational systems that follow these evidence-based guidelines will go a long way to address bullying and other school issues by providing prevention and intervention for mental health problems.