SSF Lever 1:

Mental and Behavioral Health and Well-being

School mental and behavioral health refers to the comprehensive approach to promote emotional well-being, prevent substance use, intervene in crisis situations, prevent suicide, and raise awareness about mental health and substance use challenges among students and staff. This approach integrates evidence-based practices aimed at fostering positive social, emotional, and behavioral development among students. It involves a supportive school environment, implementing policies and procedures that address mental and behavioral health needs, providing access to resources and interventions for students experiencing difficulties, and collaborating with families and community stakeholders.

  • Employ promotion and prevention strategies as a proactive step toward mental and behavioral health and well-being.

    • Key Practice 1.1.1: Promote and Engage Well-Being

      • Employ promotion and engagement activities toward total well-being

    • Key Practice 1.1.2: Integrate Intervention Strategies

      • Integrate intervention strategies as a proactive step toward mental health and well-being

    • Key Practice 1.1.3: Teach Staff and Students Substance Abuse

      • Teach staff and students about substance abuse, harmful substances, and identification of a person under the influence

    • Key Practice 1.1.4: Intervention Strategies and Response Protocols

      • Respond with systematic best practice intervention strategies and response protocols

    • Key Practice 1.1.5: Create a Network of Resources

      • Create a network of community resources for students struggling in the area of substance abuse

  • Equip staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to comprehend and care for their mental health.

    • Key Practice 1.2.1: Staff Tools for Mental Health

      • Provide staff with the tools necessary to comprehend and care for their mental health

    • Key Practice 1.2.2: Staff Awareness of Mental Health

      • Equip staff with the knowledge and awareness of mental health challenges

    • Key Practice 1.2.3: Encourage Well-Being

      • Encourage the mental health and well-being of all staff

  • Include observations and universal screeners used to identify potential mental health concerns.

    • Key Practice 1.3.1: Observe Student's Behavior

      • Observe student's behavior and changes in behaviors for potential mental health concerns

    • Key Practice 1.3.2: Use Universal Screeners

      • Use universal screeners for potential mental health concerns

    • Key Practice 1.3.3: Connect Students to Supports

      • Connect students to mental and behavioral health supports

    • Key Practice 1.3.4: Identify Students

      • Identify students who are struggling with potential mental health concerns 

    • Key Practice 1.3.5: Engage in Interventions and Support

      • Engage in interventions and support for identified students

  • Provide a readily accessible network of support services for those navigating mental health challenges.

    • Key Practice 1.4.1: Implement Services and Supports

      • Implement services and supports for students with mental and behavioral health needs

    • Key Practice 1.4.2: Provide Resources

      • Provide informational resources integrated to provide a safety net for those navigating a mental health challenge

    • Key Practice 1.4.3: Utilize Standard Protocols

      • Ensure and utilize standard protocols for suicidal ideation, threats, bullying, harassment, and others

    • Key Practice 1.4.4: Best Practices and Prevention

      • Incorporate recognized best practices and proactive prevention in areas such as trauma-sensitive schools and grief-informed care