Roanoke County Public Schools… Life Counselors Leading Individuals Fostering Empowerment

School Safety Advisory Committee Affirmative Recommendations Increase number of licensed mental health counselors Increase law enforcement presence in schools Explore and work toward providing full-time security at each school Increase number of visits by police dogs Increase transparency of communication with staff and community Increase positive, clear messaging for students

A Three-Pronged Preventative Solution Where we are headed from here…

Mental Health Support In Schools Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports Student Assistance Program (SAP) Restructure

RCPS…MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS Children who receive social, emotional and mental health support perform better academically. Students are more likely to seek help when it’s readily available in our schools. 1 in 5 children experience a mental health issue during their school years. Self injury and suicide rates continue to rise among our youth- 17% of high school students seriously consider suicide. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24. 90% of those who died by suicide had an underlying mental illness 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begins by age 14. The average delay between onset of symptoms and intervention is 8-10 years. 50% of students age 14 and older with a mental illness drop out of school. 5

Our Focus- PREVENTION Trauma Training Mindfulness Training Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Trauma Training Mindfulness Training Teen Mental Health Presentations for Middle School Parents Out of the Darkness Walk Mental Health Youth First Aid Mental Health Summit Social Media/Impact on Mental Health Presentations for Parents Reviewing programming Mental Health Support in Schools Student Assistance Program (SAP) Restructure

Mental Health Counselors in Schools Proposal of adding additional counseling staff for Fort Lewis, Mason’s Cove & Back Creek Elementary (will ensure full time counselors are in all of our elementary schools)- $124,828.00 Proposal of 5 additional licensed mental health counselors (LPC, LCSW, or LCP)- $60,324.00 per counselor x 5 counselors = $301,620.00

Increasing Mental Health Counselors & Expected Outcomes : Access to counseling supports for all students Increase in wellness Improved attendance Improvement in behaviors Relationships with students Increase in staff, parent, and student education

Restructuring of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) Meeting the current needs of our students Focusing on mental health Increasing individual and group counseling Providing staff, parent, and student education on mental health as well as substance issues Assisting with positive interventions and behavioral supports No additional funding required

Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports Systemic Change Focus on Relationships and Connections School-wide support, classroom support & individual support Evidence based programs implemented with fidelity

PBIS Expected Outcomes: Reduction in discipline referrals Reduction of suspension rates Improved attendance rates Decrease in drop out rates Improved perception of school safety

Total Cost Proposal 5 Mental health counselors- $60,324.00 per counselor x 5 counselors = $301,620.00 2 Additional full time school counselor positions. This would allow all elementary schools to have full time counselors in their buildings. Total- $62,414.00 per counselor = $124,828.00 Total Proposal- $426,448.00

Roanoke County Public Schools… Mental Health Matters Questions? Comments? 14