Mental Health
Using A Community-School Approach to Promote Mental Health and Prevent Teen Alienation, Depression or Suicide

Schools can work with parents and other agencies to mental health and to prevent teen alienation, depression or suicide. The elements of this comprehensive approach have been described here under the following five categories:

Several topics are listed under each of the categories. Explanatory articles, summaries and reports, research evidence, Canadian and other local examples, as well as online planning, educational and policy development resources are identified for each topic.

 

Coordinated Programs
Instructional Programs

Personal/Social Development Programs/Health Education

  • family studies/home economics programs and curricula
  • health education programs and curricula

Cross-Curricular Programs

Specific Populations

  • females
  • males
  • homosexual/lesbian youth/transgendered youth
  • students with disabilities
  • ethnocultural minority youth
  • aboriginal youth
  • transient students
  • students living with divorce
  • students living with bereavement

Specific Issues

Teacher Education and Inservice

  • preservice training
  • inservice training

School Administrator Training

 
Social Support
  • school board policies and procedures
  • public health policies and procedures
  • social service agency policies and procedures
  • student/youth engagement and leadership activities
  • Peer Helper Programs 
  • Parent Education and Involvement
  • community awareness and development
  • local media support
Support Services
  • information and referral services
  • role of public health
  • role of funded mental health organizations and professionals
  • role of school guidance counselor
  • crisis response services
Physical and Environmental Resources  
Preventive and Treatment Services