PROCEDURES FOR ACCESSING STUDENT MENTAL WELLNESS SUPPORTS | Administrative Procedures

2410 - PROCEDURES FOR ACCESSING STUDENT MENTAL WELLNESS SUPPORTS

In compliance with F.S. 1011.62, 1002.20, and 1014.04, Brevard Public Schools utilizes a framework called “Mental Wellness Pathways” outlining the processes and procedures for identifying and connecting children to appropriate mental, behavioral, and emotional supports. This framework outlines processes and procedures for referring students for mental and emotional wellness supports, obtaining parent/guardian consent, monitoring of student progress by collaborative school-based problem-solving teams, and notifying parent/guardian of any change in current services.

Through the lens of fostering a caring, supporting, and nurturing climate in schools, emphasis is placed on overall wellness, building resilience, and increasing protective factors for all students (Tier 1 positive school-wide positive supports). From this Tier 1 foundation, students who need additional supports are identified and provided access to Tier 2 small group and Tier 3 individual counseling supports (school-based or agency partner).

1 – Parental/Family Involvement

Parents have the fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children. The following section outlines procedures for notifying parents or guardians of a change in student’s services or monitoring related to student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.

For initial services, school counselor/social worker will document parent receipt of notification using the following forms as appropriate:

Initial Services to School-based Tier 2 and Tier 3 Supports.
1. The school counselor/social worker will:
  1. Initiate a Mental Wellness Pathways Assistance Form 5
  2. Document parent notification for Parent Consent for either Individual counseling or small group counseling, as appropriate.
  3. Using the collaborative problem-solving team meeting, design appropriate intervention/supports to be implemented and monitored on a frequent basis.
  4. Monitor student progress in collaborative solving IPST Team meetings.
  5. Finalize/Update the Finalize the Mental Wellness Pathway Assistance Form 5 (including who will deliver intervention supports, when, what the supports are, etc.).
  6. Complete data entry into FOCUS using Mental Wellness Pathways FOCUS Input Form 6.
  7. Provide parents, families, and individuals living in household information and resources for community behavioral services, including BPS Referral Sources for Children and Families
  8. Communicate with parent/guardians at least monthly on student progress.
  9. Referrals for school-based Tier 2 or Tier 3 services must be initiated within fifteen (15) days after identification and assessment/need.
Initial Services to Outside Agency Partners in School
1. The school counselor/social worker will:
  1. Obtain (if from SRI or TAT) or generate Mental Wellness Pathways Assistance Form 5
  2. Document parent notification for Parent Consent for either Individual counseling or small group counseling, as appropriate.
  3. Complete Authorization for Exchange and Release of Information (Form 3) and obtain parent permission for release of information.
  4. Complete Mental Wellness Pathways Universal Referral Form (Form 4) and send it via email to the assigned Outside Agency Partner.
  5. Communicate and follow-up with Outside Agency Partner to determine when students will receive services.
  6. Provide parents, families, and individuals living in household information and resources for community behavioral services, including BPS Referral Sources for Children and Families
  7. Complete data entry into FOCUS using Mental Wellness Pathways FOCUS Input Form 6.
  8. Facilitate communication between provider and school staff to improve classroom supports to support overall student success.
  9. Monitor student progress in collaborative solving IPST Team meetings.
  10. Referrals to Agency Partners must be initiated within thirty (30) days after the identification, referral, and assessment to Agency Partners.
  11. Communicate with parent/guardians at least monthly on student progress.
Change in Services
1. The school counselor/social worker will:
  1. Involve a collaborative problem-solving team meeting to discuss and design appropriate intervention/supports.
  2. Complete the Form 5 – CHA for Change in Service Form.
  3. Notify the parent/guardian of the change in services by using Form 5 – CHA (Change in Services).
  4. Complete data entry in FOCUS for change in services and parent notification of change in services (reference: Mental Wellness Pathways FOCUS Input Form 6).