Feedback invited on state model policy

Did you know….

• Teacher distress costs at least $3.5 billion annually through absenteeism, turnover, poor performance, and waste?
• It is estimated that one quarter of teachers feel burned-out at any given time.
• Poverty, on its own, is a causal factor I making people mentally ill?

These facts and countless more underscore the need for schools to take seriously the link between mental health and overall school success. They can start by viewing a newly launched mental health in schools toolkit. 

The toolkit was just one outcome of a two year “Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems” grant. The grant allowed the Michigan Departments of Education (MDE), Community Health (MDCH), and the School-Community Health Alliance of Michigan (SCHAMI) to work to:

• raise awareness of this issue,
• pilot best practices for improving children’s social and emotional health, and
• plan to increase access to mental health services for students.

They have done so with the help of an Recognizing that schools are under tremendous pressure already, planners stressed that any strategies or recommendations developed through the process need to reflect the capacity limits of the schools. They also aimed to honor diversity and recognize the value and unique perspective that parents/caregivers provide.
This grant allowed the Departments of Education, Community Health and Human Services to develop stakeholder committees at state and local levels to provide perspective and expertise. 

Locally, three school districts assessed their current strengths and gaps as they relate to identifying, referring, and treating school-aged youth in need of mental health services.  Each district developed a community-specific plan of action aimed at improving children’s access to mental health services. 

A Statewide Steering Committee (SSC) developed a set of recommendations to improve how schools address the mental health needs of students.  They aimed to develop:

• A recommended plan for increasing capacity around student mental health
• An interagency agreement between MDE, MDCH, and DHS for improving children’s access to mental health services and programs in schools
• A Model Policy on student mental health that will be approved by the State Board of Education

Participants at MASA’s Fall Conference will have an opportunity to learn more about the project and the lessons and resources now available to schools.
Meanwhile, school leaders are invited to view:

• a draft of the Mental Health in Schools state model policy for review and feedback. 
• A mental health in schools toolkit: www.michigan.gov/schoolmentalhealthtoolkit

Any other questions or comments can be directed to Lauren Kazee, LMSW, Mental Health Consultant at kazeel@michigan.gov

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=YkSInIgeTV_2f6Uw_2fLgA77Mg_3d_3d

*Three pilot districts included:
Alcona Schools—contact Kathy Eiler, skeeiler@i2k.net
Waterford School District—contact Gen Wandrie, LMSW, wandrg01@wsdni.orgBeecher Public Schools—contact Dee Walker, walkerd@mottch.org