For over SIX YEARS, PAVE's mission to connect, inform, and empower parent leaders has led to powerful change driven by a powerful network of community members across the District - our PAVE Family.
The PAVE Family is made up of inspiring, selfless, and dedicated parent leaders - including Parent Leaders in Education (PLE) Board memberswho’ve committed additional time and energy to work together across wards to advocate for the change they want to see in DC’s education system.
This week's PAVE Post is centered around a PAVE #ParentPriority,School-Based Mental Health. PAVE parent leaders know that we cannot adequately support the academic needs of DC kids, if we are not supporting their mental wellness.
In fact, years before COVID, and before experts declared a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health, PAVE parent leaders were pushing for increased resources for DC kids.
Beginning in 2018 and every year since,School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) has been selected by PAVE parent leaders as a #ParentPriority. Parents know that many DC kids are growing up surrounded by trauma in their homes and in their communities. These deep rooted issues have only widened and intensified due to the school closures and isolation caused by the pandemic.
While progress has been made (like DC's expansion being fully funded so that every DCPS and public charter school can have access to at least 1 mental health clinician), we know that the work must continue to ensure that the health and wellness of ALL DC kids (particularly those who are Black, Brown, or low-income) is prioritized.
[WATCH] PAVE's School-Based Mental Health Video Explainer!
When students enter the school building, they are bringing everything with them: challenges with families and friends, trauma from events, and more. All of this significantly impacts their ability to learn and succeed.
School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) gives students access to mental health supports at school where they already are! When done well, comprehensive services are available to support students in building relationships, managing emotions, treating anxiety, depression, and more so that kids can reach their full potential!
What is the current state of school-based mental health resources?
Today, because of the tireless work of PAVE parent leaders and community partners including the Strengthening Families Coalition (SFC), the budget for school-based mental health professionals has increased. Yet, hiring and retaining mental health professionals in schools has continued to be a challenge.
Additionally, while there have been strong steps taken to improve access to mental health supports at schools, far too many families are not aware or able to receive the support that they need. In PAVE’s 2021 Fall Back to School Survey, only one-half (49%) of DC caregivers knew about the mental health resources and services at their child’s school. And even for the parents who did, many were unsure of how to access these services.
PAVE parent leaders' vision for school-based mental health supports
Ward 4 PLE Board Members Sherry McDaniel-Thomas and Jillian Blair presenting on School-Based Mental Health at the 2022 PAVE Parent Policy Summit
PAVE parent leaders envision an education system that prioritizes student mental health and wellness. All students and families should have readily accessible, high-quality school-based mental health services, supports, and education that is responsive to student needs.
We know this can't be achieved without comprehensive and meaningful engagement with parents and families across DC.
Along with community partners, PAVE parent leaders have advocated for and achieved:
A fully-funded school-based behavioral health expansion with resources to provide a behavioral health clinician in every DCPS and public charter school (2021)
A cost study to determine the true cost of comprehensive school-based mental health supports including family engagement, coordination of care, and more (2022)
Increased grants to community-based providers to ensure they can support our DC schools and students (2022)
School-Based Mental Health wins in DC's fiscal year 2023 budget!
Want to get involved?
Testify at a public hearing to call for increased mental health supports in schools.
Attend a Coordinating Council meeting on School Behavioral Health with the Department of Behavioral Health
Want to learn more? Email us at info@dcpave.org
Our children are our future, and their mental wellness must be prioritized. PAVE parent leaders will continue working with community partners and city leaders to ensure that the policy wins of the past continue, and that ALL DC kids have access to the supports they need to thrive!
GIVING TUESDAY : November 29th!
"GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a day that encourages people to do good. It has since grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Every year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, we come together as a community to give back -- whether it's by helping a neighbor, volunteering, donating, or cleaning up your local park. With campaigns in over 70 countries and all 50 states, locally led efforts create a global ripple effect as we collectively recognize how we can all help the communities we call home." - GiveLocalTogether.org
