One Pass Gives You Access To All Five Co-Located Conferences!
Register for any conference and enjoy all-access to every keynote, session, networking event, and exhibitions for all five co-located conferences.
Jessica McIntyre, LMHC, QS, is currently the Coordinator of Mental Health Services for Volusia County Schools in DeLand, Florida. She completed her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Stetson University. Jessica has been in clinical and leadership roles in levels of care ranging from private practice to inpatient care, and now focuses on children and adolescents in crisis in the school system. Jessica’s work focuses on managing her district’s Mental Health Response and Intervention Team, promoting advocacy and education to students of all ages and their parents, and collaboration with school personnel and external agencies in the formation and administration of programs designed for improvement of student-related problems and school safety. Jessica is consistently called upon to consult, provide training, create policy and curriculum, and coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs locally and at the state level. She is a strong and passionate leader with a clear commitment to students, staff, and all community members who contribute to the well-being of the youth we serve.
SESSIONS
Harmony Amidst Chaos: Mental Wellness and Risk Prevention
Mental health plays a critical role in effectively managing threats within schools. Today, more than ever, our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for students while addressing prospective dangers and concerning behaviors. This presentation aims to foster a holistic approach that ensures student safety while addressing potential threats. Through an Interconnected Systems Framework we can combine systems and practices to improve outcomes for our students.This presentation will discuss the integration of mental health in enhancing school safety and management. For this to occur, we must understand the framework of behavioral threat management teams and the importance of multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, the role of mental health with early interventions and promotion of well-being must not be understated when outlining the threat management process and looking at behavioral indicators and gathering data.
The symbiotic relationship between mental health and school safety is crucial for fostering a supportive and conducive learning environment. By supporting students who experience mental health challenges, school can promote better academic and behavioral outcomes. Providing access to mental health services can reduce difficulties related to mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being among students at risk. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the importance of addressing students’ emotional needs alongside safety measures. Through use of the identified risk assessment tool, the school district systematically identifies and evaluates potential threats, demonstrating a proactive approach to student safety. Partnered with training in mental health awareness and de-escalation techniques, empathy and understanding within the school community is fostered. Prioritizing mental health and safety creates a positive feedback loop: when students feel mentally well, they are more likely to engage in safe behaviors, and when schools prioritize safety, students’ mental well-being improves.
Learning Objectives
- Review the research and basic principles regarding the history and importance threat assessment and threat management.
- Identify the steps, developmental procedures, and protocols necessary to develop a tiered, multi-disciplinary, multi-agency threat management system.
- Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities within behavioral threat management in schools (i.e. privacy laws, reporting obligations, FERPA, and state legislation/requirements).
- Recognize interventions and supports in the areas of disciplinary/punitive actions, monitoring, skill development/resiliency building, school-based service interventions, and environment.