As schools emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, educators are looking for creative and lasting solutions to address the growing mental health needs of students. Unfortunately, many schools lack the necessary infrastructure and support for addressing mental health and providing or connecting students with appropriate services. While Connecticut shows promise in helping schools build the capacity to respond to the rising demands, more is needed.
CHDI's Policy Brief, Supporting Student Mental Health: Is Connecticut in Good SHAPE? shares resources and strategies for aligning statewide policies using The SHAPE System to support school mental health infrastructure and improve outcomes for districts, schools, and students.
The SHAPE System is a public-access, web-based platform hosted by the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland that provides a structure for assessing Comprehensive School Mental Health quality and sustainability at the state, district, and school levels.
Read the full Policy Brief for an in-depth look at how SHAPE can help improve comprehensive school mental health systems at the state, district, and school levels.
Supporting Student Mental Health
Short on time? This brief video provides an overview of this Policy Brief, the SHAPE system, and our four key recommendations for policymakers.
Use the SHAPE System
Schools and districts can use SHAPE to assess strengths and needs, develop Comprehensive School Mental Health plans, and evaluate progress.
Our work: School Mental Health
Learn more about our work to support comprehensive school mental health.