Parents’ Guide: How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health in School
Key Takeaways
The pandemic put great stress on the mental health of youth.
Parents and school personnel are the primary advocates for students who need mental health support.
Youth who need mental health support are guaranteed specific rights under Section 504 and IDEA.
When it comes to advocating for a child's mental health needs in a school setting, consistent, effective communication with school personnel is the parents’ most effective means to ensure their children get the support they need.
When mental health needs are identified, parents and school officials must collaborate to develop an effective support plan.
Parents advocating for their child’s mental health need to be aware of and utilize resources available from organizations that specialize in mental health and assistance.
According to the U. S. Surgeon General, one of the results of the pandemic is “a crisis in youth mental health.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) adds that 50% of mental illness appears by age 14. Furthermore, NAMI statistics indicate that 1 in 5 children will experience signs and symptoms of a psychiatric disorder.
Clearly, it’s essential that America’s youth have mental health advocates. Parents offer the first line of support. They also play a significant role in advocating for a child's mental health in school. School officials provide a second, broader array of assistance and advocacy tools. Critical aspects of ensuring that children receive the support they need include understanding the rights of children under Section 504 and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), communicating effectively with school personnel, identifying and addressing mental health needs, collaborating with the school and local agencies to develop a support plan, and accessing resources and organizations for additional support.
Rights Guaranteed to Children under Section 504 and IDEA
Parents need to understand the rights of their children under Section 504 and IDEA to secure appropriate mental health support in schools. These laws provide a framework for parents to advocate for the necessary accommodations and services to support their child's mental health needs within the school system. By understanding and exercising their rights under Section 504 and IDEA, parents can ensure that their child receives the necessary support to thrive in a school environment despite their mental health challenges.
Communicating Effectively with School Personnel
When it comes to advocating for a child's mental health needs in a school setting, consistent, effective communication with school personnel plays a crucial role. Parents should not hesitate to initiate discussions with their child's teachers to share observations and discuss their performance and areas of struggle. If a child is experiencing anxiety or having trouble concentrating in class, it's important for parents to communicate these concerns to the teachers so that they can provide the necessary support and accommodations. This open line of communication lets parents discuss areas of concern and provides teachers with valuable insights into the child's behavior and academic performance, so they can make informed decisions to support the child's mental health needs within the classroom environment.
Once communication is established between parents and school officials, it must be fostered. Consistent communication with teachers, counselors, and school administrators ensures that the child's mental health needs are consistently addressed and monitored. By maintaining open lines of communication, parents can collaborate with school personnel to identify specific areas of need. For instance, if a child requires additional counseling or therapy sessions during school hours, parents can work with the school to establish a schedule that accommodates these needs without disrupting the child's academic progress.
Identifying and Addressing Mental Health Needs
Identifying and addressing mental health needs in children is crucial for their overall well-being and academic success. Sudden changes in behavior frequently signal the presence of a mental health need. For example, a child is experiencing a drop in grades, having trouble sleeping or exhibiting frequent worries. These may indicate an underlying emotional problem that requires attention. Or, if a child who normally enjoys school suddenly balks at going or indicates that most days are not enjoyable, parents need to communicate with teachers.
At this point, parents should consider the rights and protection children have under Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure that their child receives the necessary mental health support in a school setting.
Furthermore, to address their child's mental health needs effectively, parents should seek a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. This process involves directly involving the parents and asking many questions during the evaluation to gain a thorough understanding of the child's challenges and needs. By advocating for early identification and intervention, parents play a vital role in ensuring that their child's mental health needs are recognized and addressed promptly, thereby promoting a conducive learning environment for their child. This proactive approach can significantly contribute to the child's ability to thrive.
Collaborating to Develop a Support Plan
This collaborative approach fosters a supportive environment for the child and demonstrates the shared commitment of parents and school personnel to prioritize the child's mental well-being. It also facilitates the development of a support plan for a child's mental health needs. When a child's mental health concerns begin to impact learning, parents have the right to request an evaluation to determine the appropriate support required. For instance, a child experiencing difficulties in concentrating due to anxiety or frequent worries may not perform as well academically as they had previously. In such cases, parents can work with the school to develop a personalized plan that includes accommodations such as extra time for tests or assignments, a quiet space for studying, or regular check-ins with a school counselor to provide emotional support. By actively engaging with the school, parents can ensure that their child's specific mental health needs are addressed in an inclusive and supportive manner.
Furthermore, collaboration with external entities such as community agencies and the juvenile justice system can provide additional support for the child. For example, suppose a child requires ongoing counseling or therapy beyond what the school can provide. In that case, community agencies specializing in mental health services can offer valuable resources and intervention programs that complement the support received at school. This multi-faceted approach to addressing a child's mental health needs demonstrates a comprehensive and unified effort to support the child and contribute to their overall well-being and success.
Resources and Organizations for Additional Support
In addition to advocating for your child's mental health needs in a school setting, it is crucial to seek support from various organizations that specialize in mental health resources and assistance. One such organization is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which provides a wide range of resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and students to support youth with mental health needs. NAMI's resources can equip parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively communicate with school personnel and ensure that their child's mental health needs are met in an educational environment.
Moreover, the Association for Children's Mental Health (ACMH) offers valuable information, support, and advocacy opportunities for children and youth—and their families--dealing with mental health challenges. By engaging with ACMH, parents can gain access to crucial resources that will help them navigate the complexities of advocating for their child's mental health needs in a school setting. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides programs and resources for various mental health and substance abuse issues, including finding help and support. SAMHSA's resources can guide parents in understanding the available treatment options and support services, empowering them to make informed decisions when advocating for their child's mental health within the school system.
By utilizing the resources offered by these organizations, parents can gain the knowledge, support, and guidance needed to effectively advocate for their child's mental health needs in a school setting. These resources can play a pivotal role in ensuring that children receive the appropriate support and accommodations to thrive academically and emotionally.
Conclusion
Advocating for a child's mental health in school is crucial for ensuring their overall well-being and academic success. Effective advocacy involves several steps, including understanding the rights of children under Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for mental health support in schools, communicating effectively with school personnel, collaborating with the school and local agencies to develop a support plan and accessing available support from relevant organizations at the local and national levels.
At some point in this process, parents may want to seek a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional in order to accurately understand the scope of their child’s situation.
Our professionals at Montenegro & Associates Behavioral Health understand the details and complexities of childhood mental health needs. We can help you understand your child’s situation and guide you toward the path that will best support your child’s mental health. Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our expert psychiatrists.
