Page 97 - Superintendent Annual Report 24-25

Comprehensive and Individualized Psychological Evaluations
As District mental health professionals, school psychologists have received specialized training in mental
health, learning, and behavior. The services they provide include conducting comprehensive and individualized
psychological evaluations for students with the highest needs. The results of these evaluations are crucial for
establishing personalized and prioritized educational support and services.

School Psychological Services, operating within the Department of Behavioral and Mental Health, remains
committed to completing initial evaluations within the State-mandated 60-calendar-day period following
parental consent. The most recent State report reflects this dedication, noting a 99.2% completion rate for over
5,000 comprehensive psychological evaluations within the required timeframe.

Crisis, Assessment, Prevention, and Education Support Services
The Crisis, Assessment, Prevention, and Education (CAPE) support services team is comprised of highly
qualified and credentialed professionals specializing in crisis management, particularly in mental health,
behavioral health, and support for students with disabilities. This team offers comprehensive assistance to
schools, students, and families in meeting the needs of individuals facing mental or behavioral health crises.
FY25 CAPE support services professional learning included:

• Trauma-Informed Practices
• Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Suicidal Behaviors in Children and Adolescents
• Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to Assess Students
• Supporting Mental Health Reentry for Students and Schools After Hospitalization
• Partner Violence in Adolescents: Implications for Mental Health
• ABCs of Anxiety in Education
• The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health
• Coordination of the State Designation for Suicide Prevention-Certified Schools

Suicide Prevention and Certified Schools
In FY25, 86% of assigned staff completed the Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Referral, and District Policies
and Procedures Compliance Training. The Suicide Prevention Certified School designation is provided by the
Florida Department of Education and requires:

• All instructional personnel complete two hours of department-approved youth suicide awareness and
prevention training every three years.
• Youth suicide awareness and prevention training to be included in the District’s continuing education or
master in-service plan.
• At least two qualified school-based mental health service providers who can conduct a suicide risk
assessment using a department-approved screening instrument.
• The District or school has a policy that mandates the use of an approved suicide risk assessment
instrument, administered by a school-based mental health services provider, before requesting or
initiating an involuntary examination due to concerns about a student’s suicide risk.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE 97