School-Based Mental Health (SBMH)
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) office of School Health Services provides guidance and technical assistant for the development of best practice school-based mental health programs within Arkansas public school districts. The ADE encourages schools to implement the following best practice principles to ensure quality school-based mental health services for students:
- An emphasis on early identification
- Full integration with the community and its resources
- Placing students and their families at the center of service decisions
- Providing services that are culturally competent
- A focus on promoting school attendance and academic success
- Services and supports validated by research and evidence-based practices
- The use of technology, including telecommunications
Source: ADE School Based Mental Health Certification Manual (DOCX)
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Betsy Kindall, AWARE State Project Coordinator
Arkansas Department of Education
OUR Educational Cooperative
P.O. Box 610
Valley Springs, AR 72682
Phone: 870-302-3094