Mental health and wellness include emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental wellness impacts students’ relationships with family, peers, and their school performance. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental health also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and the choices we make. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. (mentalhealth.gov) 

Mental and psychological wellness are integral to school success. School mental health services are essential to creating and sustaining safe schools and supporting engaged learners. There is a growing need for mental health services for children and youth, and schools are a natural place to provide services. School-employed mental health professionals are trained to provide services in educational settings. 

NEED TO TALK?

First Call for Help:  2-1-1
 
Mental Health Hotline: 754-321-HELP (4357)

National Crisis Text Line:  741741
  
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8 

Broward County Public Schools recognizes the importance of full collaboration between home, school, and community in caring for our students. It takes a village and we are all stakeholders in our students’ success. We welcome and utilize the community for support.  

When the whole community gets involved, we move from a place of “I” as in “Illness” to one of “We” as in “Wellness!” 

Talking to Children about Terrorist Attacks and School Shootings

This guide offers advice on how to talk to children about tragic events, such as shootings and terrorist attacks, that they are likely to hear about at school and/or on the news.

Tips For Families and Educators

Families and school personnel play a critical role in helping to reestablish a sense of normalcy and security for children after an act of violence occurs. Follow these key reminders and visit www.nasponline.org/children-and-violence to learn more. 

Goal 1:  Raise awareness of mental health issues in order to reduce stigma and promote the overall awareness of students, staff, and community. 

Goal 2:  Positively influence educational outcomes as they relate to mental health and social emotional learning of BCPS students and staff. 

Goal 3:  Narrow the gap between identified mental health needs of students and staff and service linkage by developing a comprehensive mental health delivery model. 

Goal 4:  Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the collaborations between the District and community partners.

Every day, the students, staff and supporting partners of Broward County Public Schools celebrate mental health “victories” – advancements, progression, growth and successes among the multitude of programs and services put in place to serve. Learn here how our BCPS community is supporting one another, as we strive to create an environment where strong mental health is valued, recognized and fostered by everyone.

There are so many great stories to share about #bcpsmentalhealth!