Citation

Stephan S, Hurwitz L, Paternite C, Weist M. Adv. Sch. Ment. Health Promot. 2010; 3(3): 48-58.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa-Taylor and Francis)

DOI

10.1080/1754730X.2010.9715686

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The authors sought to identify factors and strategies critical to statewide advancement of school mental health (SMH) efforts from the perspective of states that have demonstrated innovation, achievement and investment in SMH practice and policy. The School Mental Health-Capacity Building Partnership (SMHCBP) 1 conducted three in-depth focus group discussions in each of four states with representatives from diverse stakeholders. Participants reported successes and challenges in developing and advancing local and state SMH policies, programs, and services. Qualitative analyses led to identification of ten critical factors to advancing SMH at state level. They included developing a vision and shared agenda for SMH, identifying feasible and sustainable funding models, and establishing effective accountability and outcomes monitoring of SMH efforts. Strategies to implement each factor were also identified by discussion group participants and SMH-CBP Steering Committee members. States and districts can employ the factors and strategies laid out in this paper as part of a planning and continuous quality improvement process to assess and advance school mental health.

Keywords

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH; STATE EDUCATION AGENCIES; STATEWIDE SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH CAPACITY BUILDING