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The Implementation of Mental Health Policies and Practices in Schools: An Examination of School and State Factors
Author(s) -
Guerra Laura A.,
Rajan Sonali,
Roberts Katherine J.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12738
Subject(s) - mental health , state (computer science) , psychology , school health , medical education , medicine , psychiatry , algorithm , computer science
BACKGROUND Poor mental health outcomes persist among adolescent youth. Secondary schools play a critical role in fostering positive mental health by implementing policies and practices grounded in evidence. The factors associated with implementation, however, are unclear. This study examines which school‐ and state‐level factors are associated with improved implementation of mental health policies and practices at secondary schools across the United States. METHODS US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data stemming from 3 datasets (School Health Policies and Practices, School Health Profiles, and Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System) surveys were integrated and analyzed. RESULTS Health educator certification, school use of data during school improvement planning, presence of a health/safety coordinator, presence of a health council and state‐provided health educator professional development in mental health and suicide prevention were each significantly positively associated with schools' implementation of mental health policies and practices. CONCLUSIONS To promote improved implementation of mental health policies and practices in schools and provide better support for youth mental health outcomes, the use of certified health educators and health‐related supports should be considered. State health and education agencies should undertake evaluations of its mental health practices to ensure the assistance they offer to schools is evidence based.