Advocating for Mental Health Supports in Schools

Advocating for Mental Health Supports in Schools shows readers how to advocate for, and achieve, more mental health supports in schools. This timely book takes an actionable stance on the mental health issues schools are facing today, offering concrete strategies on how to advocate and what to advocate for. It contains model policy examples and expert advice from policy makers and practitioners across the country who are leaders in advocacy work. The book is divided into three sections. "Advocacy Truths" orients the reader as to what advocacy is and how to do it. "Policy Making" breaks down the complexity of the policy making process using simple terms and language, making it feel accessible and feasible. Finally, "Levels in Action" provides examples of federal, state, and local policy options to increase school-based mental health supports in schools. This section also outlines the ARTERY Pipeline Framework, showing readers how to systemically create workforce solutions to successfully recruit, train, and retain more school-based mental health professionals. Within this guide, educators; school-based mental health professionals; graduate students in school psychology, counseling, and social work; school board members; policy makers; families and others will find concrete solutions to incorporate into their advocacy work at all levels of policy making.

Katherine A. Dockweiler, EdD, NCSP, is a policy researcher and school psychologist. She is an assistant professor of School Psychology at Nevada State College, a Nevada State Board of Education member, NASP Communications Committee Chair, and creator of the ARTERY Pipeline Framework.

About the Author Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Section 1: Advocacy Truths 1. The Students are Not Okay and they Haven't Been for a While 2. Your Past Led You Here 3. Advocacy is Uncomfortable 4. Advocacy Has a Strategic Scope 5. Advocacy is Relationship Building Section 2: The Policy Making Process 6. Boomerang Policy Making Model 7. Advocacy Action Phase 1: The Message 8. Advocacy Action Phase 2: The Puzzle 9. Advocacy Action Phase 3: Puzzle Management Section 3: Levels in Action 10. One State's Policy Journey: Expanding Access to School-Based Mental Health Providers from the Federal Level to the Classroom 11. Federal Engagement 12. State Statutes 13. State Regulations 14. State Education Agencies 15. Institutes of Higher Education 16. Workforce Development: ARTERY Pipeline Framework 17. Local Education Agencies 18. School Role with Policies and Implementation 19. Getting Started Glossary Index