School Mental Health Implementation
CHDI helps schools and districts implement school mental health plans, strengthen connections to community-based resources, and evaluate their impact over time so that all students can meet their full potential. In Connecticut, this work is part of the Connecting Schools to Care IV Students (CONNECT IV) initiative.
Connecting Schools to Care IV Students
CHDI serves as the statewide Coordinating Center for Connecting Schools to Care IV Students (CONNECT IV), a four-year grant awarded to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help build the capacity of Connecticut schools to implement comprehensive school mental health supports and strengthen connections with community-based behavioral health supports.
CONNECT IV offers support for Connecticut schools and districts from the assessment and planning phase all the way through plan implementation and evaluation. Funding incentives are available based on each school or district’s level of participation.
Schools and districts can apply to participate in CONNECT IV at three different levels, based on their need and capacity:
Level 1 Schools will receive:
-
A School Mental Health Needs Assessment using the SHAPE System
- Technical Assistance from CHDI
- SHAPE Results Review
Level 2 Schools will receive:
- All Level 1 components
- A custom implementation plan with goals based on your SHAPE results
- Behavioral health training opportunities for staff and families
- Participation in regional learning communities
Level 3 Schools will receive:
- All Level 1 and 2 components
- Ongoing technical assistance and implementation support from CHDI throughout the year
- Quality improvement, data collection and evaluation support
- Implementation of a new peer support model (optional; middle & high schools only)
Level 1 Schools will receive:
-
A School Mental Health Needs Assessment using the SHAPE System
- Technical Assistance from CHDI
- SHAPE Results Review
Level 2 Schools will receive:
- All Level 1 components
- A custom implementation plan with goals based on your SHAPE results
- Behavioral health training opportunities for staff and families
- Participation in regional learning communities
Level 3 Schools will receive:
- All Level 1 and 2 components
- Ongoing technical assistance and implementation support from CHDI throughout the year
- Quality improvement, data collection and evaluation support
- Implementation of a new peer support model (optional; middle & high schools only)
"Since partnering with CHDI, we have seen a vast improvement in tracking student data, making data-driven decisions, proactively planning, and accessing resources. Now, we are more efficient in supporting students' social-emotional and behavioral health needs than we were previously."
Other School Mental Health Initiatives
In addition to the support provided through CONNECT IV, participating schools will also have opportunities to incorporate other CHDI-led initiatives and practices as appropriate for their unique needs, including:
CBITS & Bounce Back
CBITS and Bounce Back are evidence-based, small group interventions for students who have experienced trauma.
School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI)
SBDI helps schools connect students who have behavioral health needs to services and supports and reduce the use of exclusionary discipline.
Students Helping Students
A new student peer support model that empowers students to provide mental health information and support to peers.
School Mental Health Resource & Support Guide
Download a free toolkit to help Connecticut schools and districts learn about and navigate the state's robust system of behavioral health care for children and youth Connecting Schools to Care IV Students: School Mental Health Resource and Support Guide, developed by CHDI and our partners in Connecting to Care.
Past Initiatives
CHDI has been working to expand and strengthen comprehensive school mental health systems, policies, and practices in Connecticut and beyond for many years. Past state- and federally-funded comprehensive school mental health implementation initiatives include: