San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury • 2022-2023

Are High Schools Making the Grade at Addressing Mental Health?

Published: June 12, 2023 20 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 12 findings

F1
All high schools investigated by the Grand Jury are aware of and acknowledge mental health concerns and are commended for seeking to address this need.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The San Luis County Office of Education (SLOCOE) should develop a plan to assist schools and districts in obtaining grants for funding of Wellness Centers within the 2023- 24 school year.
F2
There is a growing trend in establishing Wellness Centers on campuses. Wellness Centers are seen as a best practice, shifting the tone and culture of the school to a more positive atmosphere in support of mental health.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
School administrators need to extend the mental health curriculum beyond the Freshman health class within the 2023-24 school year.
F3
Freshman Health Class curriculum has a specific mental health section, whereas additional instruction at higher grade levels is inconsistent among Districts.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
In keeping with the SLOCOE mission statement, transition from a supportive position to a more proactive leadership role in expansion of best practices for mental health across County campuses is needed.
F4
School Districts have different approaches to address mental health and there is no uniformity.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Utilize more externally developed programs to maximize mental health and substance abuse prevention, i.e., FNL, Red Ribbon Week, and Every 15 Minutes.
F5
Significant strides are being made to destigmatize Mental Health among the student population.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
More campus staff and teachers need to be trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid or an equivalent program within the next school year.
F6
There is a lack of front-line staff training in mental health intervention.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Work toward a full time SRO at all high schools.
F7
SRO staffing is inconsistent among the school districts.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Where possible, employ full-time permanent mental health staff at every high school.
F8
School districts are having difficulty hiring trained and certified staff for mental health. Contract staff are often used part-time. As a result, access for students can be insufficient and inconsistent.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
Provide widespread training of campus staff on Narcan use within the 2023-24 school year.
F9
Roles of counselors vary among schools. Not all counselors have defined roles pertaining to mental health.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
All campuses should make an anonymous bullying reporting program available within the 2023-24 school year.
F10
Insufficient staff have training on how to use Narcan for possible opiate overdoses.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Suicide awareness training needs to be conducted annually for teachers, staff and students.
F11
Bullying reporting methods should be more extensive and wide-ranging. Bullying tiplines does not appear to be anonymous at all schools.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Suicide prevention programs need to be more consistent and robust on high school campuses.
No recommendations for this finding

Conclusions 6

Commendations 1