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BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Behavioral and mental health is an important part of overall student health and wellbeing that includes emotional,
psychological, and social wellbeing from childhood through adolescence. Schools have highly trained and skilled
professionals in place to support student mental health. Students, parents, and school staff may refer students and their
families for behavioral health services. Both school and local-based behavioral health service providers are available to
assist. To refer a student or their family for behavioral or mental health services, please contact the campus School
Behavioral Health Professional or School Counselor for assistance. Additional resources are also available on the Caring
First website Caring First Resource Site. Behavioral and mental health support and resources for students and families are
available 24/7 by dialing 988 or 211.

The School District of Palm Beach County has also entered into Behavioral Health Agreements with many community
behavioral health agencies to help support student and family needs. Currently, thirty-six (36) community agencies have
Behavioral Health Agreements (BHA’s) with the School District. These Agreements provide behavioral and mental health
services in schools for children and their families in coordination with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)/School
Based Team (SBT). Information regarding community agencies that have a BHA and other available District behavioral and
mental health resources can be found at Caring First Resource Site.

Staff from these agencies are permitted to work with students individually and in groups at school; meet with the SBT;
and view the academic, behavior, and discipline data used by the Team. These Agreements allow experts to provide
interventions and assistance to our students and their families that we, as educators, are unable to offer. These providers
can help the SBT identify social and emotional barriers and create effective interventions.

Agencies and their representatives agree to specific program implementation guidelines and must adhere to the following:

Present appropriate identification (e.g., agency AND School Board Vendor badges) to school staff,
● sign in at the school center at each visit;
● provide a signed release from the parent, if applicable;
● meet with the Principal/designee to determine appropriate time, schedule, and/or location of service delivery;
● update Principal/designee of student progress;
● attend SBT, IEP, and 504 meetings, as requested; and
● maintain confidentiality.

BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND TITLE IX

The policies are under review and are subject to change.

The School District of Palm Beach County takes all forms of mistreatment and bullying seriously. Please refer to School
Board P-5.002, entitled, Protecting Students from Bullying and Harassment

Florida Statute 1006.147, also known as The Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act, requires school districts to
adopt an official policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of students and staff on school grounds, at school-sponsored
events, and through school computer networks. School Board P-5.002, prohibits bullying and harassment in all forms,
including cyber-bullying as defined in the Policy, and requires that all schools promote and teach students positive ways
to interact socially and be reminded of appropriate behavior throughout the school year.

In 2014, the state enacted legislation that required districts to create a Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Policy. School
Board P-5.82, allows students of all genders and sexual orientations who believe they have been victims of dating violence
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