
Behavioral Health Training to STOP School Violence
Behavioral Health Training to STOP School Violence
Mental health challenges are common among students, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that up to one in five U.S. children experience a mental disorder. By supporting students who are experiencing mental health challenges, including bullying, schools can help foster a sense of safety and promote better academic and behavioral outcomes. Yet, school personnel, parents, and students are in need of training on mental health literacy, which could be an effective strategy to prevent student violence against others and themselves.
As part of the Bureau of Justice’s Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Program, the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health at the Georgia Health Policy Center received a grant to partner with three state school districts in the state This grant will support implementation of a training model designed to address understanding of the challenges that face youth and how they can be supported by adults and each other.
The project uses three evidence-based training curriculums all focused on building mental health awareness. The Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid models are designed to teach parents, family members and caregivers, teachers, school staff, and peers how to help adolescents (age 12-18) who are experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or crisis. Sources of Strength uses the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture to ultimately prevent suicide, bullying, violence, and substance abuse in youth 11-18 years of age.
The project will also assess the impact of this formalized mental health awareness training on youth and adults through evaluation of changes in the school environment, measured by student survey responses and school discipline data.