TRENTON, October 15, 2019 — The New Jersey School Boards Association tonight released a major report, Building a Foundation for Hope, that calls for expanded efforts to address the emotional well-being of the state’s young people.
The 103-page report resulted from a year-long study by the NJSBA Task Force on Mental Health Services in the Public Schools. It will be released during a program at Highland Park High School in Middlesex County.
“Statistics show an increase in student mental health issues that exhibit themselves in suicide, alienation and academic failure,” said NJSBA Executive Director Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod. “I know this concerns everyone who cares about kids.”
NJSBA created the task force in response to the February 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“In the past, NJSBA produced studies that provided valuable information on school security staffing and protocols,” Feinsod explained. “However, we recognized the need to address another critical area—that is, the emotional health and well-being of our students. In the Parkland tragedy, as with other school shootings, the perpetrator had a history of mental health problems.”
Subjects addressed in the NJSBA report include social-emotional learning, character development, suicide prevention, community outreach, and equity.
Findings Based on its research, the task force found that:
- Young people’s access to mental health services is severely limited. Among youth ages 8 to 15 with diagnosed mental illnesses, approximately half do not receive mental health services.
- No school is suicide–proof. Statistics from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families show, during a recent period, an alarming number of young people, ages 10 to 24, were treated in hospital emergency rooms for attempted suicide or self-inflicted injuries.
- School officials cannot address the mental health situation alone. Schools, state and local government, community organizations and law enforcement must be partners in ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of youth.
- Trust among students and staff is essential for a safe and healthy school climate. For example, in four out of five school shootings, at least one other person had knowledge of the attacker’s plan but failed to report it.
Focus of recommendations To address its findings, the task force made over 70 recommendations to help schools provide the necessary support for our children. Subjects address timely response to students at risk, social-emotional learning, curriculum, school climate, community outreach, professional development, and equity.
In addition, the report includes information on effective programs and best practices currently in place in the state’s public schools. And it provides the insights of recognized experts in school psychology, school climate and student health and wellness.
Building a Foundation for Hope, the final report of the NJSBA Task Force on Mental Health Services in the Public Schools, can be accessed at www.njsba.org/building-a-foundation-for-hope.
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The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of the state’s local boards of education and includes the majority of New Jersey’s charter schools as associate members. NJSBA provides training, advocacy and support to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance.