Recommendations & Requirements

Establish and communicate guidelines to all staff regarding identification and rapid referral of atrisk students to appropriate building-level support teams.

Establish a comprehensive crisis management plan that leverages available internal and external/ community-based resources, which can be activated efficiently as needed (e.g., loss of student, loss of a school staff member).

Establish ongoing reporting protocols for school staff to evaluate physical and mental health status.

Designate a mental health liaison (school-based) who will work across the school, local public health agencies, and community partners.

Activate communication channels for school stakeholders to address mental health concerns resulting from COVID-19 (for example, a telephone hotline or a designated email).

Phases 1-3: Schools should implement a mental health screening for all students by a trained professional, if possible. Any screening should be compliant with HIPAA and FERPA policies. Screening instructions (offered verbally to younger students) should provide age-appropriate and transparent disclosure of protocols in place to protect confidentiality while adhering to mandated reporting guidelines.

Phases 4 and 5: Encourage schools to implement a mental health screening for all students by a trained professional, if possible. Any screening should be compliant with HIPAA and FERPA policies. Screening instructions (offered verbally to younger students) should provide age-appropriate and transparent disclosure of protocols in place to protect confidentiality while adhering to mandated reporting guidelines.