| A mental health committee was formed in an urban public school district to formulate and conduct a district-wide needs assessment in order to provide school district administrators and board of education members with a set of guidelines for improving the delivery of mental health services. A total of 962 school district employees completed the district-wide needs assessment survey. Participants consisted of regular, bilingual and special education teachers, school support staff, and administrators throughout the district. The purpose of this project was threefold: (1) to identify the needs of students, parents, and staff within the school district as they relate to the delivery of mental health programs and services, (2) to determine the extent of interest and readiness in improving the delivery of these programs and services, and (3) to understand the relevant context of the school district in which the target population and their needs are embedded. Through this case study, the process of forming a committee, utilizing a program planning framework, conducting a needs assessment, and developing a comprehensive mental health plan was examined. Results indicated an interest to design programs that address student needs at the multiple service delivery levels, as well as parent and staff programs. Program development areas identified included: (a) school-wide positive behavior support; (b) character education; (c) anti-harassment and bullying programs; (d) increasing the availability of individual and group counseling services for regular education students; (e) coordinating comprehensive services for high-risk students; and (f) parent training and staff development programs. Areas for school and district-wide improvement prior to engaging in program design, implementation, and evaluation activities included securing financial resources, identifying locations to carry out programs, and gauging the impact of New Jersey State directed budget cuts on personnel, district finances, and the development of new programs. The comprehensive mental health plan also is presented. Results from this project highlight the importance of school-based mental health services and the value for school districts in assessment of the delivery of these services. Future research should include the direct assessment of student and parent opinions as well as including these populations in the program planning process. |
