FACT: Schools work directly with mental health teams to help proactively address and prevent incidents.
Recognizing the overwhelming role mental health plays in regards to school crises, the division’s Office of Student Support Services has trained counselors as part of a Crisis Intervention Team at every school. As part of the team’s work, they identify warning signs for suicide or potential violence that students might display.
Staff is encouraged to talk to these students, notify their parents about their concerns and refer them to the school counselor, to psychological services, or to outside mental health providers if necessary.
In addition, Student Support Services staff members work in close partnership with local mental health professionals to provide training opportunities for staff members as well as families in need.