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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

CT school services aid kids' mental health despite staff shortages

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Friday, January 24, 2025   

Connecticut schools are helping kids address mental health issues.

Some experts feel they are a frontline system in the ongoing crisis and help link kids with long-term mental health care through Connecticut's mobile crisis services.

Jeana Bracey, associate vice president of school and community initiatives for the Child Health and Development Institute, feels school-based services aid most students with mental health needs but higher needs kids bear the brunt of workforce shortages in community-based care.

"Sometimes those additional services that may be required might have a waitlist or maybe they're not readily available closest to that student's home in their local community," Bracey observed. "You have students who then need to travel outside of their community to get services, which of course can be a burden on the family."

Connecticut is also facing a statewide shortage of school psychologists, which has only increased from previous years. It comes as a 2024 survey found Connecticut teachers are increasingly unequipped to handle student mental issues. Among the teachers surveyed, 89% are worried about increasing stress and anxiety among students. Not handling the issues can lead to worsening grades, higher absenteeism and being more socially withdrawn.

School mental health professionals help students understand how to mitigate challenges in life.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable, said school-based mental health services can act as an early warning sign for mental health issues kids face.

"School-based mental health professionals will provide coaching, skill building and some other mental health supports -- sometimes group sessions -- to help students who are struggling with their mental health," Kimball explained.

Having consistent funding for mental health systems can alleviate shortages. Most states buoyed social programs with American Rescue Plan Act funds. But those dollars had to be allocated by the end of 2024 or states would forfeit them. In 2024, Connecticut received more than $4 million to develop seven community health centers addressing mental and behavioral health.

Disclosure: Inseparable contributes to our fund for reporting on Criminal Justice, Health Issues, Mental Health, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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