The Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy encompasses students of all ages and grades (Kindergarten to age 21). Some action items focus on specific ages and grades.
1. Inclusive school and classroom practices promoting student well-being- Develop a universal (for all schools/programs) and selected implementation (for a few schools/programs) plan to increase awareness and use of the everyday mental health practices
- Establish a data collection process of awareness and use of everyday mental health practices, at baseline and year end
- Tools/Resources:
2. Evidence-Informed classroom, school and therapeutic practices contributing to student success and well-being are implemented- Offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Distress tolerance/emotional regulation groups in secondary schools and in Grade 7 - 8
- Tier 2 worry and stress group called 'Chill Club' is delivered in six elementary schools for students in Grade 3-5
3. Students have mental health literacy (understanding of well-being, mental health problems, and illness; possess social-emotional literacy skills; awareness of available supports and resources; engage in help-seeking behaviours)- Promote Kids Have Stress Too in secondary settings in Grade 9-12
- In partnership with guidance and student success, explore the option of providing skill-based workshops for students at Tier 2
- Develop a plan to increase students' help-seeking behaviours
4. Professional development opportunities for staff to enhance awareness, knowledge, and skill.- Pilot PD learning modules: Educator skills for building Student Mental Health & Well-Being
- Implement suicide awareness/training plan for elementary staff
- Explore feasibility of a trauma-informed schools model
- Provide PD opportunities on skills and strategies to support students in Tier 2 interventions for school-based staff, including School Mental Health Ontario educator modules
- Provide Positive Relationships PD #2
5. Coordinated and collaborative partnerships and services within the HDSB and the Halton community to enhance pathways to care for students.- Participate in community initiatives and committees: e.g. HPIC, Coordinated Service Planning, Families First, Halton Connections, System Transformation
- Align and coordinate with Board initiatives under the Well-Being Strategy committee
- Conduct focus group and literature scan to identify essential skills that staff require to effectively refer and partner with the HDSB and community resources
- Develop a plan to increase staff awareness, skill and practices for meaningful parent/guardian engagement when their child has a mental health concern
- Scan current resources and identify current and potential opportunities to provide families with information and support related to their child's mental health
6. Structures and processes that provide organizational conditions for school mental health are enhanced- Implement Social Work and CYC role scope and structure
- Implement the HDSB suicide protocol in elementary schools
- Youth and parent engagement and participation in Mental Health Strategy Advisory and Steering Committee working groups
- Provide implementation support (with release time) for up to 10 schools that have a positive mental health well-being goal