Hastings Prince Edward District School Board Psychologist and Mental Health team leader Dr. Deanna Mayfield. (Photo: Quinte News)
Staff and administration with the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board continue to tweak a system to support students with emotional and mental health
challenges.
Board psychologist Dr. Deanna Mayfield described a 3-tiered system developed to provide assistance to all students in regards to mental health and well-being to the board’s Program and Human Resources Committee.
The first tier promotes ways in the classroom to maintain a good sense of self and world view. This teaching is presented to all students.
Any students deemed at risk of developing mental health issues are identified and given in-school counselling and other supports at the tier 2 level.
And, finally, at tier 3, the few students who develop serious issues are directed to both in-school and community mental health service organizations for more intensive treatment.
The students’ families are also provided information and supports through the education system and/or in the community depending on the situation.
One member of the committee mentioned a survey which showed 34% of students in Ontario reporting experiences of low to moderate amounts of psychological stress which led to questions to staff about the number of staff involved in working with students with well-being problems.
Superintendent of Education Ken Dostaler said the staff were doing the best they could but that in an “ideal world” there would be more people in the system dedicated to working with mental health issues.
