Student Well-Being and Mental Health

School-based supports and services for overall well-being and mental health.


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The vision of the Department is that Hawai‘i's students are educated, healthy and joyful lifelong learners who contribute positively to our community and global society. To ensure every student has what they need to thrive and reach their full potential, the following priorities are provided through the Hawai‘i Multi-Tiered System of Support (HMTSS). This comprehensive approach supports the mental health and overall well-being of our students.

Equitable access to mental health services Family outreach On-going screening PD for adults Learning environments SEL Mental health literacy Crisis

Well-Being & Mental Health Key Priorities Wheel adapted from The Jed Foundation: “The Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for High Schools" and informed by resources developed by the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH).


​OFFERING A CONTINUUM OF CARE

The majority of students progress in response to supports offered school-wide that promote over-all well-being. At times, some students may need supplemental prevention and intervention services. This continuum of care is provided by school level staff, complex area school-based behavioral health (SBBH) personnel, and community partners.

​School-Wide | Promotion
 ​Targeted | Prevention
 Intensive | Intervention

​ ​

Well-Being & Mental Health Priority Descriptors

The identified priorities described below ensure a focused, collaborative, and comprehensive approach to supporting student wellbeing and mental health. The array of services and supports will vary from school to school based on the context of the school community.


​Priority
​Description

​Equitable Access to Mental Health Services


  • Enable access to mental health supports for all students through either school-based programs or community-based partners.
    • School counseling and School-Based Behavioral Health (SBBH) staff offer school-based supports that range from promotion and prevention to intensive services.
    • Hazel Health, Hawaii Keiki, and the University of Hawaii Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy offer supplemental community-based services.

​On-going Screening and Progress Monitoring

  • ​Engage in on-going screening to ensure rapid identification of students who need more support (related to health, safety, Social-Emotional-Behavior (SEB) needs, and/or academic concerns).

  • Progress monitor to determine effectiveness of interventions and overall student growth.

​Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
  • ​Collaborate with parents, families and community partners to promote learning readiness for all students, particularly those experiencing challenges (e.g., homelessness or unstable housing, English learners, and migrant students).

​Targeted Training For Adults

  • ​Build capacity of all staff to recognize warning signs, know of available resources, and implement effective evidence-based practices to support student well-being (i.e., Trauma Informed Care, Suicide Prevention Awareness, etc.).

  • Targeted training for trauma-informed care is available through the Trauma-Informed Online Academy (Staff-only login is required to enter this site)

​Safe And Supportive Learning Environments

  • ​Ensure positive behavior practices and interventions to create and sustain safe, stable, and equitable learning environments that promote both the academic success and overall wellbeing of all students (i.e., restorative practices, Speak Now App (bullying reporting tool), trauma-informed practices, etc.)

​Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for Students and Adults

  • ​Foster SEL acquisition and application of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

​Mental Health Literacy & Connections that Support Student Well-being

(Staff-only login is required to enter this site.)

  • ​Increase understanding of mental health and factors that impact it.
  • Normalize conversations about mental health by participating in on-going check-ins with students.

​Suicide Prevention, Crisis and Trauma Response

  • ​Equip staff with the knowledge and skills to respond to critical needs of students.

  • Provide follow-up support and resources.


Resources

If you are interested in learning more about school-based well-being and mental health support and services, reach out to your school's main office or contact: Hawai'i Keiki Hotline at (844) 436-3888 (toll-free) to access assistance.

If in crisis, don't hesitate, reach out to: 

  • Crisis Text Line text ALOHA to 741741
  • Hawai'i CARES at 808-832-3100 (O'ahu) or 1-800-753-6879 for neighbor islands
  • or 911


Ho‘oha‘aheo

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