The Department seeks to address the mental health and behavioral needs of students by improving access to appropriate care and support services. Specifically, the project focuses on students who are newly diagnosed with a mental illness or substance use disorder, as well as those exhibiting evidence of severe emotional disturbance. The objective is to mitigate the long-term, degenerative effects of these conditions by providing early and effective interventions. The Department’s goal is to improve and increase access to mental health services for students by removing barriers to care, ensuring they receive the support needed to thrive academically and socially. The Department looks to establish an easy referral program for school personnel who identify students in need of additional services beyond the school's services. Services under a resulting contract should help connect students with services they need in a convenient and accessible way.
