Student Services Department News

Student Services is pleased to announce the addition of three new social workers to better serve our schools. The district now employees a total of seven school social workers who work to enhance the social and emotional growth and academic outcomes of all students by connecting schools, families and communities.

Youth Mental Health First Aid training has begun for all district employees. This training is designed to teach adults who interact with youth how to help a child who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in Florida for youth ages 10-19. Awareness of this public health problem is the key to preventing further suffering and loss of life.

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