Author: Jenna

Discharge Checklist:

Finalize aftercare appointments with discharge planner (such as medication, agency counseling, and support groups/aftercare)
Follow up with support groups for child, parent(s) and family
Each child should receive a discharge plan when leaving the facility. If you have any questions about follow-up appointments or referrals, contact the treatment facility.
If you have any questions about or problems with the referrals made, please let your case manager know.
Do not be afraid to ask about family and wrap around resources for the family.
If your child was admitted and received treatment in a facility, when your child returns to school go to the front office to ensure their enrollment.

Parent Resources
LOCAL RESOURCES
Region 2 Prevention Resource Center
www.PRC2.org
211 Texas-A Call for Help
www.acallforhelp.info/cms/
Betty Hardwick Center-Local Mental Health Authority
www.bhcmhmr.org
West Central Texas Wraparound Services
https://wraparound.communityos.org/cms/
OTHER RESOURCES
Speak Your Mind Texas
www.speakyourmindtexas.org/
Center for Parent Information and Resources
www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/mentalhealth/#quick
National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/index.shtml
Understanding Child Traumatic Stress:
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS http://www.nctsn.org/resources/audiences/parents-caregivers
National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=For_Parents,_Caregivers,_and_Youth
Building Bridges for Children’s Mental Health (Tools for Families and Schools)
www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/BuildingBridges.asp
U.S. Department of Education
www2.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml
MentalHealth .GOV
http://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers/
US Suicide Hotline 1-800-784-2433
NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group
800-826-3632
Suicide Prevention Services Crisis Hotline
800-784-2433
Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline
630-482-9696

Bridging The Gap:

Connecting Families,
Schools and Behavioral Health

Information and Resources for Parents
Provided by Region 14 Education Service Center

325-675-8676

Getting help isn’t a bad thing.

The behavioral health of our children is a natural and important concern for us all. The fact is, many common disorders have their beginnings in childhood or adolescence, yet may go undiagnosed and untreated for years.
There are many educational and related support services for which your child may qualify, some free of charge, for every eligible child with a disability, including preschoolers (ages 3-21). These services are specially designed to address the child’s individual needs associated with their developmental, behavioral, or emotional challenges. Youth discharging from treatment centers often qualify for many of these services.
Typically, educational programs for children with behavioral health needs include attention to providing emotional and behavioral support as well as helping them to master academics, develop social skills, and increase self-awareness, self-control, and self-esteem.

You are not alone!
Parenting is a difficult task, many parents are often worried about balancing family needs with expectations, real and perceived, of others, society, educators, and their own children. The pressures of these expectations may often leave parents feeling as if they are alone. However, many parents have been through some of the same struggles you may currently be facing.
The CDC reports that in 2012, 15% of Texas children between the ages 2 to 17 were diagnosed with autism, developmental delays, depression or anxiety, ADD/ADHD, or behavioral/conduct problems
A Texas Department of State Health Services 2012 survey of youth indicates that 20.4% report their own mental health as “not good”. DSHS also reports that in 2012, 11.8% of deaths were due to intentional self harm.
20,240 Texas children were receiving mental health services from the local mental health authority during the fourth fiscal quarter in 2014.
The best outcomes for children occur when a
partnership between parents, schools and mental health facilities are created
You are not alone!

...From treatment back to school
If your child has received behavioral health treatment that required a stay away from home and school, there are some helpful ways to assist with the return to community and school.
Transition to School Checklist:
Sign a consent with the school outlining what information can be shared regarding your child’s treatment. Note: All school personnel are responsible to keep all information confidential in accordance of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Parent should notify school prior to student discharge & share discharge plan with school such as medication appointments, agency counseling, and other aftercare recommendations that may affect attendance and academics.
Schedule a conference w/counselor, principal, and teacher
See if child qualifies for more individualized learning plans.
Check for other educational support programs, such as Communities in Schools
Stay in communication with teachers- (minimum of 2x/wk)
Notify school if there are any changes (such as behavior, medical, family changes)
Meet with your school counselor to determine the level of support needed for your child.
Let your child know that he is not alone!