The Mental Health Education Law was passed by the New York State legislature and requires schools to provide instruction in topics such as the use and misuse of alcohol, tobacco and substances as well as the early detection of cancer. Now under the new legislation signed by the Governor, mental health instruction has been added to the list of critical health issues that youth will be learning about.
In working with the Advisory Board group on how to implement the legislation, we are aware that many, if not all, of the Health teachers around New York State are teaching some form of mental health instruction already. This legislation serves to offer a more uniform and concise standard for what should be taught and sets up a state-wide regional resource center for teachers which will offer curriculum lessons.
During instruction, teachers need support with questions that may arise from students needing help or self-disclosing that they or a family member is coping with mental health issues. This legislation offers a unique opportunity for School Social Workers around the state to act as consultants to Health teachers and PPS Directors about curriculum programs. More importantly, as licensed, clinical mental health professionals in schools, we are in a position to provide assessment and direct services to students needing assistance within the school. We also have the clinical background and knowledge of community resources to assist with brokering and linking families to appropriate community services.
I encourage all of you to download the Mental Health Education Act as well as the New York State Education Department’s Mental Health Education Literacy in Schools: Linking to a Continuum of Well Being Comprehensive Guide 2018 (80 pages) Introduce yourselves to your Health teachers and let them know you will make yourself available if they need assistance. This is a unique partnership where we can present ourselves as critical members of the mental health team as well as increase our involvement and visibility to support and assist instructional staff, children and the school community.
Since the passage of the Mental Health Education Act, School Administrators’ are recognizing the need to include as well as to add School Social Workers’ as Mental Health professionals in their districts. If you are not already involved in assisting your school district in implementing this Act, it is time to invite yourselves to the table and get involved.
Please See Resources Below to Assist You:
Mental Health Association in New York State Resources for Educators
Mental Health Instruction in Schools Presentation to the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.’s Mental Health in Education Summit by J. Richter March 16, 2017
Mental Health Education Literacy in Schools: Linking to a Continuum of Well Being Source: NYSED July, 2018
New York, Virginia become first to require mental health education in schools Source: CNN July 2, 2018
Recommendations for Mental Health Instruction in Schools Source: MHANYS, 2017
Supporting Mental Health in Schools Source: MHANYS, 2017
Wisconsin School Mental Health Framework Although developed by the state of Wisconsin, this “Framework provides key elements to implement comprehensive school mental health systems in districts and schools… While the specific model used may vary between communities, the foundational elements must be in place to foster and sustain these critical school mental health systems.” It includes a school needs assessment and planning template as well.