The New Jersey Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Education and the Rutgers Center for Comprehensive School Mental Health (Rutgers-CCSMH). This project represents the “next step” following the collaborative development of the New Jersey Comprehensive School Mental Health Resource Guide. It aims to support the implementation of comprehensive school mental systems at the district and building levels by enhancing educators’ knowledge through training and technical assistance. Our multi-pronged approach includes the launch of the Technical Assistance and Leadership Academy for 50 New Jersey schools and Statewide Trainings available to all New Jersey schools and districts.
Overview
Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project
2023 – 2025
The Need for Comprehensive School Mental Health
Mental health support is increasingly needed in schools to support students and staff. Mental health disorders remain a prominent concern that children and adults face daily. In the United States, approximately 20% of adults live with some form of mental illness and approximately 10-25% of children have some form of mental illness. Research continues to support that mental and behavioral health supports for students are best provided within school communities that establish a comprehensive school mental health system. Comprehensive school mental health systems provide a full array of supports and services that promote positive school climate, social emotional learning, mental health, and well-being, while reducing the prevalence and severity of mental illness (National School Mental Health, 2021).
Learn more about the NJ Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project by reviewing the Information Session materials below.
Information Sessions
Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project Information Session
Information Session PowerPoint
Principal Handout_FINAL_NJDOE 3.28.2023
Application
The application has closed and chosen schools have been contacted.
Sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), Division of Educational Services, in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions Center for Comprehensive School Mental Health at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; 100% funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund.