Wisconsin schools are trying to improve their mental health services with federal grant money approved by Congress after the deadly Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut three years ago.
About 27 school districts will participate in the Wisconsin School Mental Health Project, state officials said.
Steve Fernan, with the state Department of Public Instruction, said changes are being made to improve quality and access to mental health services
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“Assisting the current pupil services staff, such as school counselors, psychologists, school social workers (and) nurses to be better able to identify and screen students who may be experiencing some mental health challenges,” he said.
Fernan said in Wisconsin, it’s estimated that one in five children and adolescents have a significant mental health issue that affects how they function.
More counselors and resource officers were one part of President Barack Obama’s “Now Is the Time” initiative to try and reduce gun violence after the Sandy Hook shooting.
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