8395 - STUDENT MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Board understands the importance of both physical and mental health in supporting all students to reach their fullest educational and personal potential. Providing access to physical and mental health services to students in the school allows those students that need such services to access them without disrupting their educational pursuits and to provide access to the greatest number of students possible.

The District will assist in facilitating students’ access to mental physical and health services (“Services”), when appropriate through the Student Services Department and school nurses.  These Services may be provided in conjunction with licensed agencies authorized to provide Services at the schools in a way that minimizes intrusion into the student’s day and which supplements those Serviced provided by a teacher, paraprofessional, school nurse and other health professionals, or any other staff member. Further, unless otherwise determined by an IEP team, Services are not to be considered a related service necessary for the provision of a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The provision of Services by outside agencies in the school setting will be governed by agreement between the District and the licensed agency and will be subject to the provisions therein as well as the procedures set forth below.

School District Mental Health Professionals

The Student Services Department is available to assist students with mental health concerns, including providing Services within the scope of the staff members' professional abilities and/or licensure.

Student Services shall maintain information regarding community-based and other types of mental health resources available for students who require more intensive Services or who suffer from more acute or chronic conditions. School staff shall coordinate and collaborate with outside providers to provide continuity of services in and out of school. All Services provided by and/or coordinated by Student Services shall be available to students who participate only on a voluntary basis.

Any staff member who, in the course of providing mental health services to a student, shall report any circumstances giving rise to suspicion that the student has been or is the victim of abuse or neglect (see Policy 8462 – Child Abuse and Neglect) or hears of a threat of violence that the staff member believes in good faith presents imminent danger.

School District Physical Health Professionals

The School Nurse is available to assist students with health concerns, including providing Services within the scope of the staff members professional abilities and/or licensure.

The School Nurse shall maintain information regarding community-based and other types of health resources available for students who require more intensive Services or who suffer from more acute or chronic conditions. School staff shall coordinate with and collaborate with outside providers to support continuity of services in and out of school. All Services provided by and/or coordinated by the District shall be available to students who participate only on a voluntary basis.

Coordination of On-Site Services (Face-to-Face and/or Virtual)

Where appropriate, Student Services and school health professionals may, in consultation with the student’s building administration, provide access for on-site and/or virtual delivery of Services by independent appropriately licensed and authorized professionals subject to the following requirements:

1. All individuals providing Services must be working under an agreement between the District and a licensed agency and approved by the District Administrator prior to commencing services. The Agreement shall specify the term of the Agreement, the amount of time intended to be spent on site, and all financial arrangements.
2. All individuals providing Services must have on file with the District the following prior to providing Services: (a) appropriate licensure and other required professional credentials; (b) evidence of appropriate insurance coverage; (c) completed and satisfactory criminal background check results and required State health information.
3. The provider must make it clear, in writing on file with the District, that the provider is not directly affiliated with the District, that the student is receiving Services from the particular agency, or organization such that the District's only involvement is coordinating the schedule and providing a suitable location for students to receive Services. The provider and/or agency is not delivering educational services or providing any service on behalf of or with the approval of or sanctioned by the District.
4. The District may refuse access to school facilities to any individual or agency for violating any expectations. No District officials shall advocate for students to receive Services from any specific provider or agency, but may provide referrals or information concerning resources available to students.
5. All providers are expected to adhere to Board policies while on school grounds and providing Services to students.

Complimentary Services

The Services described in this policy and provided for through agreements entered into pursuant to this policy do not replace or eliminate other physical or mental health and related services provided through IEP development, 504 plans, general school counseling services, and other student services available through District and partner resources. This policy is to be administered consistent with Policy 5330 - Administration of Medication/Emergency Care, Policy 5310.01 - Emergency Nursing Services, as well as other Board policies concerning student health.

Revised 10/21/24

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