School Mental and Behavioral Health Resource Board by Nicole Barnaby

Affinity Groups in Elementary, Middle, and Early Childhood Education

nicolebarnaby — 2024-07-19 20:39:54 UTC

A 5-minute video on affinity groups in school settings.

DESE Principals for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for LGBTQ Students

nicolebarnaby — 2024-07-19 20:46:21 UTC

Principles for Ensuring Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students

DESE Guidance for Safe and Supportive Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2024-07-19 20:46:47 UTC

Guidance for MA Public Schools Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment - Student and Family Support

iDECIDE Drug Education Curriculum

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 18:24:07 UTC

iDECIDE (Drug Education Curriculum: Intervention, Diversion, and Empowerment), is a drug education curriculum developed to provide behavioral support and psychoeducation for middle and high school students. The program is designed to serve as a secondary prevention effort for youth at risk for escalation to problematic substance use and as an alternative to suspension, expulsion, and other exclusionary practices for school-based substance use infractions.

They also offer a free program for caregivers called iCARE.

They also offer free trainings to become a facilitator, drop-in hours, coaching/TA and more for ongoing support after the initial free training.

PASS (Positive Alternatives for Student Support) Drug Education Program

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 18:32:03 UTC

The PASS program provides students who are suspended for drug and alcohol and other non-violent offenses a treatment focused program with embedded academic support. Choices is one of many agencies that offer this programming

MA Substance Use Helpline

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 18:56:01 UTC

The Helpline is a statewide, public resource for finding substance use harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and problem gambling services. Helpline services are free and confidential, and available 24/7. Anyone can call or visit the website.

School Response to SU with Resources

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 18:57:48 UTC

Suspending students for substance use can have considerable, negative consequences. Resources for youth can be found on the 2nd page of this PDF.

Equity Resources for BIPOC Students

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 19:05:17 UTC

SEEM Collaborative's resources to help make schools and classrooms work for and affirm BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students, and to help support anti-racist educators.

Bullying Prevention Month Resources

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 19:24:04 UTC

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Information, resources, and curriculum tools can be found on this page.

Trauma-Informed Safe and Supportive School Environments and Related Resources (BHGV Grant Appendix A)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 19:26:40 UTC

Trauma-informed school environments are responsive to the realities of trauma and the impact it has on student health, behavior, and learning. This resource offers additional information and links to resources to support schools in fostering these environments.

Principles for Promoting Racial Equity (BHGV Grant Appendix B)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 19:29:26 UTC

This resource lists the 7 Principles for Promoting Racial Equity as identified by DPH's Bureau of Community Health and Prevention (BCHAP) and Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition. The resource also lists additional learning opportunities and a glossary of terms.

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Roadmap

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-01 19:31:57 UTC

The Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform helps people in Massachusetts get the mental health and substance use care they need, when and where they need it. Through a 24/7 Behavioral Health Help Line and statewide network of Community Behavioral Health Centers, the Roadmap connects people with supportive services right in their communities.

Do you have feedback for making the roadmap better? Visit https://s-us.chkmkt.com/?e=365251&d=l&h=4FD610BC164E15C&l=en to share your input. They want to hear from you!

Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-06 14:05:15 UTC

This guidebook provides teachers and administrators with key considerations for planning, implementing and refining a yearlong YPAR course. The curriculum contains the scope and sequence, detailed lesson plans, instructional resources and sample documents for constructing a YPAR course.

Student Voice Continuum

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-06 14:15:04 UTC

Student Voice Continuum: What messages are you sending to students with your youth engagement policies?

School-Based Medicaid Program Resources

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-08 14:37:16 UTC

Contact information and additional information about the School-Based Medicaid Form can be found here.

Including Student Voice in Education

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-13 16:57:41 UTC

Connecting SEL, School Climate and Student Voice

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-19 16:53:38 UTC

Student Voice Toolkit

nicolebarnaby — 2024-08-19 17:53:21 UTC

This Toolkit is designed to support school administrators and educators in learning about the enabling conditions needed for student voice work to take root and flourish, and it provides new insights and strategies for deepening and scaling student voice work within classrooms and schoolwide.

The Social Model of Disability

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-19 16:31:45 UTC

Social barriers have a disabling effect. Learn to eliminate those barriers by changing the way we understand disabilities.

Behavioral Health Providers, Paraprofessionals, and Policy Qualifications (SBHE Grant Appendix A)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-27 13:45:46 UTC

This PDF provides a list of provider types that can be supported through SBHE funding. This list is not all-inclusive. Contact your contract manager if you have specific questions about funding behavioral health staff.

Eligible Use of Funds (SBHE Grant) Updated August 2026

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-27 13:46:08 UTC

This PDF provides a list of examples for use of SBHE funding. This list is not all-inclusive. Contact your contract manager if you have specific questions about funded activities.

Neurodiversity Strengths Checklist

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-27 14:13:44 UTC

Honor the diversity of brains among students who learn, think, and behave differently with this strengths-based tool.

Reducing Barriers: Planning Education for All

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-27 16:36:18 UTC

This 5-minute video illustrates the importance and benefits of a social model for student success. A focus on barrier reduction in schools decreases the need for individualized supports while increasing individual successes.

Shifting to Strengths-Based IEPs

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-27 16:43:58 UTC

IEPs should be more strengths-based--here's how and why.

Book: Circle Forward - Building a Restorative School Community

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-27 16:55:08 UTC

Circle Forward is a resource guide designed to help teachers, administrators, students and parents incorporate the practice of Circles into the everyday life of the school community.

Collaborative Problem Solving (Think:Kids at MGH)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-30 16:01:27 UTC

The CPS approach focuses on building skills like flexibility, frustration tolerance and problem solving, rather than simply motivating kids to behave better. CPS works with schools to implement this evidence-based, trauma-informed practice.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Part 2

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-30 20:09:08 UTC

This is part 2 of a recorded training that we borrowed from the Healing Equity and Leadership (HEAL) Grant’s Core Principles training. It provides a good overview to creating culturally and linguistically appropriate services in youth-facing settings.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Part 1

nicolebarnaby — 2024-09-30 20:10:54 UTC

We borrowed this recorded training from the Healing Equity and Leadership (HEAL) Grant’s Core Principles training. It provides a good overview to creating culturally and linguistically appropriate services in youth-facing settings.

Reducing the Effectiveness of Bullying Behavior in Schools (PBIS)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-01 12:34:20 UTC

This document provides an overview of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) as a framework for improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of practices to prevent school violence and bullying behavior.

Recommended Behavioral Health Screening Tools

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-01 12:40:34 UTC

This PDF provides age-appropriate screening tool recommendations for substance use, suicidality, depression, and anxiety. Links to the screening tools are also included.

LGBTQ Behavioral Health Equity Resources

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-01 13:07:35 UTC

Through training, coaching, and technical assistance, the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity offers change strategies within mental health and substance use disorder treatment systems to address disparities affecting LGBTQ+ people across all stages of life.

Resource Guide for LBGTQ Youth and their Families

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-02 14:00:46 UTC

This guide, created by Boston Children's Hospital, offers information on resources across the state.

Restorative Justice in Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-02 14:05:14 UTC

Restorative justice in schools establish a positive climate and help build social and emotional skills for all. Suffolk University offers information and trainings to support classroom climate, curriculum, IEP meetings, student-teacher dialogue, and student discipline.

Sources of Strength Curriculum

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-02 14:14:48 UTC

Sources of Strength provides training and curriculum for youth and adults, utilizing a strength-based and upstream approach to mental health promotion and prevention of adverse outcomes like suicide, violence, bullying, and substance misuse. The middle and high school curriculum is a tier 2 intervention with a tier 1 universal impact. It trains groups of Peer Leaders supported by Adult Advisors to run ongoing public health messaging campaigns to increase wellness and decrease risk in their schools. There is also a tier 1 elementary school version.

PATHS Program Curriculum

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-02 14:26:17 UTC

PATHS Program curriculum provides easy-to-implement social and emotional wellness curricula for every age. Their programs support students’ life skills and wellness while helping to cultivate a safer and positive learning environment where everyone thrives.

Check In Check Out - A Behavior Improvement Intervention

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-02 14:30:42 UTC

Check In Check Out (CICO) intervention is a structured approach focusing on consistent monitoring and positive recognition to encourage positive conduct. Within Tier 2, CICO is a group-style intervention designed to aid students with similar behavioral challenges in developing behavioral skills. Typically, a check in check out intervention plan involves a modest number of behavioral goals and a daily check in with a CICO coach. A key element of CICO is the establishment of clear expectations for behavior. Staff members responsible for overseeing Tier 2 interventions work with students to collaboratively set specific, measurable, and achievable goals.

School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) Website

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-02 14:35:29 UTC

The School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) offers Local Education Agencies (LEAs) an opportunity to receive federal dollars to offset costs for providing certain Medicaid-covered direct services in a school setting.

Covered types of direct care services in the SBMP include: Applied Behavior Analysis for members with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), audiology, dental assessments/screenings, medical nutritional services, mental/behavioral health services, skilled nursing care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physical and behavioral health screenings, and speech therapy.

BHGV Goals & Scope of Services

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-02 14:51:54 UTC

This document outlines the goals and the scope of services for the BHGV grant.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-04 18:00:04 UTC

988 is free, confidential, and available 24/7, 365 days a year via phone call, videophone, text, or chat.

Free 988 print materials for your school can be ordered here:

orders.gpo.gov/SAMHSA988/Pubs.aspx

Community-Led Suicide Prevention

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-04 18:17:37 UTC

Community-Led Suicide Prevention helps communities come together to create and reach their suicide prevention goals. EDC provides step-by-step information, how-to tools, interactive training, and tailored coaching to support communities in achieving comprehensive suicide prevention.

Click this link for their report: Transforming Communities: Key Elements for the Implementation of Comprehensive Community-Based Suicide Prevention | National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (theactionalliance.org )

Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention (MTSP) for School

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-04 18:20:53 UTC

Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention for Schools is designed to assist educational leaders in improving upon strategic planning and structural changes toward suicide prevention within a multi-tiered system of support.

Subcontractor Identification Form

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-04 19:39:13 UTC

If you are subcontracting, this form must be completed and submitted to your DPH contact once you have chosen a vendor.

Subcontractor Identification Form

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-04 19:39:42 UTC

If you are subcontracting, this form must be completed and submitted to your DPH contact once you have chosen a vendor.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-08 13:00:11 UTC

The YRBS collects health behaviors data from students in grades 9-12. School participation helps schools and communities improve the health and wellbeing of youth.

Youth Thrive & Healing Centered Engagement

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-09 19:26:42 UTC

This PDF is for those who work with and support young people and are interested in exploring how to apply healing centered engagement and build the Protective and Promotive Factors with young people to help them heal and thrive.

SBIRT in Schools Toolkit

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-10 19:06:01 UTC

Use this resource, developed by BUSPH SHIELD in collaboration with MDPH School Health Services and MASBIRT TTA, to help guide SBIRT implementation in Massachusetts schools and districts.

DESE Bullying Prevention and Intervention

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-11 18:26:35 UTC

DESE offers information for schools for creating bullying prevention or intervention plans. The guidance is in compliance with Chapter 86 of the Acts of 2014, an act mandating schools address and recognize bullying.

Student Action Plan Against Bullying

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-11 18:32:50 UTC

Student-led bullying prevention initiatives support student buy-in. This resource offers a way to empower students to champion anti-bullying efforts in their schools.

Olweus Bullying Prevention Sites

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-11 18:35:55 UTC

Visit this site to learn more about the Olweus Bullying Prevention Sites throughout the state. These organizations have gone through a multi-level bullying prevention program designed to reduce and prevent bullying in elementary, middle, and high school age youth.

To learn more about Olweus, visit Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, Clemson University

Guidance on Schools' Legal Obligations to Prevent and Address Hate Incidents

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-11 19:06:54 UTC

This Guidance, offered by the Attorney General, is designed to assist schools in their efforts to combat hate and foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive educational environment, consistent with their legal obligations.

Vaping Toolkit

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-16 13:32:54 UTC

This toolkit provides tools and resources for Massachusetts schools, community-based organizations, and providers who are working to address the use of e-cigarettes and other vaping products by youth.

Treating Trauma in Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-18 17:18:09 UTC

Asynchronous & free. This two-part course focuses on treating trauma in youth. A certificate for completion and up to 20 free Counseling Continuing Education Credits are offered.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Training and Self-Assessment

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-18 19:45:10 UTC

This link takes you the Making CLAS Happen training as well as a CLAS Self-Assessment.

The training will provide an overview of all 15 CLAS standards, reasons to integrate CLAS framework into your program design and delivery as well as their applications to eliminate health inequities.

Healing Centered Engagement (HCE)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-21 13:32:15 UTC

HCE is a non-clinical, strengths-based approach that advances a holistic view of healing and re-centers culture and identity as a central feature in personal well-being for young people, their families, and those who work with them.

From consulting to experiences, Flourish Agenda has a robust set of services geared towards youth and youth-focused professionals.

Trauma-Informed Schools Resource

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-21 13:45:58 UTC

The National Education Association (NEA) believes supporting students who suffer from childhood trauma requires whole school involvement and transformation. Visit this website for more information and resources.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma: Implications for School

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-21 16:11:56 UTC

Trauma can undermine a child’s ability to learn, form relationships, and function appropriately in the classroom. The purpose of this document is to briefly introduce the research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma and their relevance to schools.

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) drive healthy development and mitigate the long-term effects of ACEs. See here for actions that you can take in schools. The Hope National Resource Center offers research-based trainings and resources.

Trauma-Informed Suggestions for Educators

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-21 16:32:58 UTC

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides trauma-informed suggestions for educators.

For their full toolkit, visit: child_trauma_toolkit_educators.pdf (nctsn.org )

DESE's Best Practices for English Learners: Racial Equity and Social Justice

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-21 18:46:27 UTC

Educators of English learners play a special role in promoting equity. Adopting a social justice orientation can help educators collaborate with parents, students and community members to promote more equitable experiences and learning outcomes for English learners.

More information for supporting English Learners can be found on the CLAS tab of this Padlet.

Compass Curriculum by Navigate 360

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-21 20:48:45 UTC

Compass curriculum offers scaffolded lessons for students grades Pre-K through 12th grade. They offer formative assessments, teacher companion guides, family resources (in 6 languages) and administrator toolkits.

Navigate 360 also offers behavior intervention solutions, PBIS rewards, and more. Visit their website to learn more.

Resources for Advancing Racial Equity in the School Environment

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-21 21:09:11 UTC

This PDF contains links for learning and making changes in schools to promote racial equity.

DESE Guidance on English Learner Education Services and Programming

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-24 18:38:20 UTC

The purpose of this guidance is to assist districts in developing ELE programs in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations while providing recommendations for best practices.

DESE Interpreters in the Education Setting - Language Access Services for Families

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-24 18:45:37 UTC

DESE offers school districts a Language Ambassador Training Course. The link for this as well as DESE Guidance for offering language interpretation in schools and additional resources can be found on this website.

BCCMH Learning Collaborative

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-28 15:41:20 UTC

The Brookline Center School-Based Telebehavioral Health Pilot Learning Collaborative has a website that hosts free recorded webinar modules that you can access at any time. Topics school behavioral health providers include cultural responsiveness, evaluation & data collection, conflict resolution, substance use disorders, telebehavioral health training, trauma-informed care and so much more.

SBHE Frequently Asked Questions (Updated August 2025)

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-28 20:06:49 UTC

Review this PDF for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Resources Relative to Antisemitism and Societal Bias

nicolebarnaby — 2024-10-29 17:55:12 UTC

These resources are intended to help schools in fostering an equitable, safe, supportive, inclusive, healthy, and joyful learning environment for all students. This shared goal includes addressing antisemitism and societal bias.

Combatting Hate: A guide for Families & Students

nicolebarnaby — 2024-11-05 21:30:53 UTC

This resource from the Attorney General's office provides families and students with information for responding to hate and bullying in schools.

For the document in other languages: Guidance on Schools’ Legal Obligations Regarding Hate and Bias Incidents | Mass.gov

DMH Children's BH Knowledge Center

nicolebarnaby — 2024-11-07 16:45:52 UTC

This website is a resource hub for MA children's behavioral health workers. Trainings, practice profiles, and resources can be found here.

Re-Imagining Migration

nicolebarnaby — 2024-12-10 19:56:32 UTC

Re-Imagining Migration aims to transform the educational ecosystem to ensure that
immigrant-origin youth, their peers, and the communities in which they inhabit flourish. They create learning
experiences that cultivate a sense of belonging and understanding. See their resource library for implementation ideas in the school setting: Resources - Re-imagining Migration.

MA Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma

nicolebarnaby — 2024-12-24 21:40:04 UTC

The Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma is a resource for child-serving organizations in Massachusetts, delivering information, tools, and training to help organizations become more trauma-informed and responsive. Part of the Office of the Child Advocate, CCWT works collaboratively with state agencies and their funded community partners to become more trauma responsive through training, communities of practice, technical assistance, coaching, and other collaborations.

Trauma-Informed, Healing-Centered School Practices

nicolebarnaby — 2025-01-06 14:57:12 UTC

The Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma partnered with Thriving Minds—a collaboration between bryt, the Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium, and the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy—to develop this toolkit on Trauma-Informed Practices for School Mental Health.

Training and Access Project: PD on Social-Emotional Learning and Behavioral Health

nicolebarnaby — 2025-01-06 15:34:16 UTC

The Training and Access Project (TAP), an initiative within Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnerships, offers free professional development for school communities to strengthen knowledge, practices, and resources in order to build capacity to address social-emotional learning and behavioral health in schools.

U.S. Department of Education "Free to Learn" Initiative

nicolebarnaby — 2025-01-09 21:43:11 UTC

The U.S. Department of Education is offering resources to prevent, address, and ameliorate the effects of bullying, violence, and hate while also supporting school safety, school-based mental health, and positive school climate so all students are free to learn. General resources and those tailored to support specific populations (Latine, LGBTQI+, Black , Native American and Indigenous, and MENA Students as well as Islamophobia and Antisemitism) are offered.

Guidance Regarding Schools' Obligations to Protect Students and Their Information

nicolebarnaby — 2025-01-27 14:34:07 UTC

This guidance includes information about the rights of all children to access a free public education regardless of immigration or citizenship status and the ongoing legal obligations of schools to ensure that appropriate steps are taken when responding to requests for access to students or their information by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

This advisory is not legal advice or a formal legal opinion of the Attorney General. A school district or parent should consult with legal counsel about specific concerns.

NEA Guidance on Immigration Issues

nicolebarnaby — 2025-01-27 14:46:00 UTC

This guidance from the National Education Association lays out information regarding immigration and schools, including information around enrollment issues, Plyler v. Doe, and Safe Zones resolutions, how educators can safely engage in immigration advocacy, a FAQ around mass raids, a Know Your Rights guide around immigration enforcement, and an update on the DACA program. The appendix at the end contains a model Safe Zones resolution, a model district policy and an FAQ on such policies for your use (Appendix A).

Schools' Legal Obligations to Prevent and Address Hate and Bias Incidents

nicolebarnaby — 2025-01-27 16:57:33 UTC

The Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law and Student Anti-Discrimination Act, along with state regulations, require schools to take steps to prevent bias related bullying and harassment by students and staff and respond effectively when it occurs.

Despite the recent Title IX federal court ruling, state law protections remain in place. To see more on the guidance, see here: Guidance on Schools’ Legal Obligations Regarding Hate and Bias Incidents | Mass.gov

Family Planning - Advice for Immigrant Families

nicolebarnaby — 2025-01-27 17:04:24 UTC

This packet contains information to help families in your community prepare in case of an emergency, for example in case a parent is detained or deported.

Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students

nicolebarnaby — 2025-01-27 17:09:08 UTC

The Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students provides comprehensive training and technical assistance to support LGBTQ students, families and staff. The work focuses on creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments by addressing bullying, promoting understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, and improving school climate. They partner with public schools across the state to provide professional development, policy guidance, and tailored support.

Sample School Policy on Gender Identity and Inclusivity

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-03 15:23:09 UTC

Offered in a template format, this sample policy makes it easy to adaprt gender-inclusive policies.

The Trevor Project - 24/7 Hotline

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-03 16:15:15 UTC

Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

Guidance Regarding Schools' Obligations to Protect Students and Their Information

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-03 17:56:38 UTC

This advisory is not legal advice or a formal legal opinion of the Attorney General. A school district or parent should consult with legal counsel about specific concerns.

Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-03 17:57:06 UTC

Promoting Positive Youth Development and Preventing Youth Violence

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-03 18:44:46 UTC

Research and articles on promoting Positive Youth Development combatting fascism.

DESE Guidance: Supporting All Students, Including LGBTQ Students

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-10 14:24:20 UTC

School and district leaders are strongly encouraged to continue implementing policies and practices that protect all students, including transgender and nonbinary students. The Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students is available to provide training, technical assistance, and implementation support to help schools uphold these commitments. If your school or district would like assistance in continuing this essential work, please reach out through the contact information at the link above.

How to have a supportive conversation about substance use

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-10 21:57:14 UTC

Offered by MASBIRT, this free virtual training is focused on learning and practicing skills based in Motivational Interviewing (MI), to enhance conversations about substance use. In this training, you’ll learn and practice 6 conversation skills that can be used individually or together (see the Conversation Guide) to help you have more collaborative conversations focused on substance use.

Click the link for dates and to register.

Emergency Response Guide for Educators of Immigrant-origin Students

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-12 20:09:48 UTC

This guide can serve as a valuable resource in efforts to support immigrant-origin students and help your schools develop clear, intentional policies that empower all school staff to effectively serve their diverse student community.

Emergency Response Guide for Educators of Immigrant-origin Students

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-12 20:10:21 UTC

Guide to navigating this Padlet

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-21 19:55:21 UTC

Welcome to the DPH Office of Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing (OYMH) Padlet! We've compiled a variety of resources to support the mental health and wellbeing of school-aged youth across the Commonwealth.

Columns are titled and color-coded for easy navigation. We update trainings weekly and other resources as information becomes available to us.

Know Your Rights Cards

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-24 15:42:21 UTC

All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. Cards are offered in many languages and can be printed from home from this site.

School Based Medicaid Program and Why it Matters

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-26 19:57:22 UTC

This presentation provides an overview of the benefits of the SBMP.

Joint Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education and K-12 schools on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Equal Access to Education

nicolebarnaby — 2025-02-28 14:19:04 UTC

The Office of the Attorney General, Executive Office of Education, Department of Higher Education, and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reissued Joint Guidance regarding the Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision on race-conscious admissions policies at institutions of higher education and supplemental guidance to clarify the legal landscape for the Commonwealth’s Institutions of Higher Education and K-12 schools as they work to advance educational goals and access to educational opportunities.

Things to Avoid in Bullying Prevention/Intervention Efforts

nicolebarnaby — 2025-03-05 21:31:58 UTC

Although there are proven and promising bullying prevention and intervention strategies, some common methods do not work or can even make matters worse.

Self-Harm Response Toolkit for Educators

nicolebarnaby — 2025-03-06 21:57:42 UTC

These resources were created to equip educators, school staff, and school-based mental health professionals with critical knowledge and strategies needed to support the mental well-being of their students related to self-harm.

LGBTQ+ Health Resources

nicolebarnaby — 2025-03-19 17:30:30 UTC

Because of environmental factors including discrimination and barriers to health care, people who identify as LGBTQ+ experience unique health disparities. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and health care providers across the state are committed to reversing these trends and working together to improve the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ people in the Commonwealth.

Data & Action Support to Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2025-03-26 17:23:16 UTC

DPH’s Community Health Equity Initiative offers free Data & Action Support to schools, community-based organizations, and other partners. Using CCIS and CHES data, regional support providers can fulfill customized community-level data requests (e.g. demographics, neighborhood, safety and social context, substance use, mental health); help contextualize findings and action steps; and provide capacity building.

Data & Action Support to Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2025-03-26 17:27:21 UTC

Data & Action Support to Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2025-03-26 17:28:16 UTC

Autism Level UP!

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-01 18:47:05 UTC

Autism Level UP! offers free tools and other supports to promote autism awareness, empowerment, and advocacy.

Restorative Justice in Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-09 15:03:26 UTC

This 12-minute video details what restorative justice is and the benefits it offers to students and the school community.

Wee The People

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-09 15:11:13 UTC

Wee The People is an education consultancy that offers justice-oriented educational workshops for students 5-12, parents, and educators. They also offer curriculum support and coaching for educators.

Care Solace

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-10 14:14:39 UTC

Care Solace quickly connects your community to available mental health providers, substance use treatment, and social services matched to their needs.

WJC INTERFACE Referral Service

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-10 14:17:17 UTC

The WJC INTERFACE Referral Service is a mental health and wellness referral Helpline that is a free, confidential referral service for residents of participating communities. Callers from these participating communities are matched with licensed mental health providers within 2 weeks of their call to INTERFACE. Each referral best meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller.

News and Announcements from the Attorney General's Office

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-10 14:25:50 UTC

News and announcements from the Office of the Attorney General

Behavioral Health Help Line for School Providers

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-18 14:33:59 UTC

The BHHL can help school-based providers identify referral options for students based on a student’s insurance type and clinical need. The BHHL is a support line that connects individuals and families to the full range of

mental health and substance use treatment services offered in Massachusetts,

including outpatient, urgent, and immediate crisis care.

State MH Resources for Youth and their Families

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-25 12:26:37 UTC

There are various state-wide BH resources available to youth and their families. This PDF provides an overview that should be shared with youth and their families.

This document is also available on this Padlet in:

4/17/25 Immigration Update for CHNV Parole Status Holders

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-25 12:49:26 UTC

On April 14, a Federal Judge in Massachusetts put a HOLD on the federal administration’s attempt to categorically terminate the parole status of those who had been granted CHNV humanitarian parole. This means that the CHNV parole termination order does NOT take effect until further court action.

Recommended Behavioral Health Screening Tools

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-28 13:58:24 UTC

This PDF provides age-appropriate screening tool recommendations for substance use, suicidality, depression, and anxiety. Links to the screening tools are also included.

School Mental Health Technology

nicolebarnaby — 2025-04-30 14:45:15 UTC

This PDF is from a Virtual Summit by the MA School Mental Health Coalition (MASMHC), bryt, and the Rennie Center for Education. The event and this PDF features a variety of school mental health technology solutions.

Needs Assessment Crosswalk

nicolebarnaby — 2025-05-08 14:15:26 UTC

This crosswalk, developed by the BIRCh Center summarizes and compares the focus of 5 common school needs assessments.

Mental Health Resource Library

nicolebarnaby — 2025-05-14 13:41:57 UTC

The Mental Health Association of Maryland created a resource library containing activities and resources to support a variety of mental health concerns for pre-k, elementary, middle school and high school children.

TimeKettle Interpretation

nicolebarnaby — 2025-05-15 17:52:49 UTC

TimeKettle offers hand-held devices that can be used for real-time translation

TalkingPoints

nicolebarnaby — 2025-05-15 18:00:42 UTC

TalkingPoints focuses on family engagement for multilingual families. Their platform offers translation, scaled family engagement, and data-informed guidance.

Cell Phones and Social Media in Schools Toolkit

nicolebarnaby — 2025-05-23 17:31:50 UTC

In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, advising the public that, despite some benefits for some youth, the current body of evidence demonstrates that social media use poses a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of

children and adolescents.

Behavioral Health Urgent Care Centers (BHUCs)

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-02 18:32:42 UTC

Behavioral Health Urgent Care Centers (BHUCs) are open throughout Massachusetts and can see patients for Urgent Mental Health Services. They are part of the State's Roadmap for Behavioral Health alongside the Behavioral Health Helpline and Community Behavioral Health Centers..

Your Brain on Social Media

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-04 17:57:53 UTC

A resource for schools and parents regarding youth social media and phone use. Sample policies, research, and other supporting documents can be found on this website.

Know Your Rights Guide by the MA Attorney General's Office

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-04 18:03:52 UTC

MA Attorney General Campbell issued guidance for immigrants, families, and communities on ICE Enforcement.

To download the document click here: 05.29.2025 AGO ICE Guidance Final.pdf

Centering Equity within the PBIS Framework: Overview and Evidence of Effectiveness

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-05 20:45:07 UTC

Racial and ethnic inequities in school discipline are widespread and persistent, even in schools implementing PBIS with fidelity. Yet integrating components of a multicomponent equity-centered approach into existing tiered frameworks is showing promise for improving equity in student outcomes. This brief describes the Center on PBIS’s 5-Point Equity Approach and the evidence for its positive effects on discipline disproportionality.

The Shape System

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-05 20:48:39 UTC

SHAPE offers tools to help schools and districts improve school mental health programming and sustainability in schools and districts. Their website features school mental health quality assessments, a resource library, and custom reports.

DESSA Assessments

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-05 20:59:32 UTC

DESSA’s evidence-based assessments bring research-backed, valid, and reliable data into your MTSS, PBIS, or other behavioral support program.

Find Behavioral Health Providers of Color

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-17 19:52:05 UTC

Here are directories that can help you find clinicians of color:

Therapy For Black Girls

Therapists Of Color | Innopsych

Home - PureSpark

Explore Directory - National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

Resources for the Black Community | NAMI Massachusetts

Resources for the Latinx and Hispanic Community | NAMI Massachusetts

Find Behavioral Health Providers of Color

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-17 19:54:40 UTC

Here are directories that can help you find clinicians of color:

Haitian Mental Health Network

Therapists Of Color | Innopsych

Home - PureSpark

Explore Directory - National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

Resources for the Black Community | NAMI Massachusetts

Resources for the Latinx and Hispanic Community | NAMI Massachusetts

Find Behavioral Health Providers of Color

nicolebarnaby — 2025-06-17 19:55:04 UTC

Here are directories that can help you find clinicians of color:

Therapists Of Color | Innopsych

Home - PureSpark

Explore Directory - National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

Resources for the Black Community | NAMI Massachusetts

Resources for the Latinx and Hispanic Community | NAMI Massachusetts

Introduction to Restorative Justice for Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-01 14:55:59 UTC

A guide for principals, teachers, school administrators, school resource officers, school counselors, and anyone interested in restorative practices and schools.

Restorative Practices Toolkit

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-01 16:28:37 UTC

This Restorative Practices Guide and Toolkit was created by the Chicago Public Schools Office of Social & Emotional Learning, in collaboration with the Embrace Restorative Justice in Schools Collaborative.

Advancing Racial Equity in School Communities

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-01 20:55:07 UTC

Appendix D of our SBHE grant, Advancing Racial Equity Within School Communities, provides examples of actions schools can and should take.

Panorama

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-07 14:46:44 UTC

Panorama offers student success, survey and engagement, behavior logging, and more. It is compatible with MTSS and PBIS, and also allows for student, family, and broader school-community check-ins.

Mental Health America Resource List

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-14 19:55:04 UTC

Mental Health America composed an inclusive resource list for mental wellbeing.

State Mental Health Resources for Youth and Families in Traditional Chinese

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-25 13:02:34 UTC

There are various state-wide BH resources available to youth and their families. This PDF provides an overview that should be shared with youth and their families.

This document is also available on this Padlet in:

State Mental Health Resources for Youth and Families in Vietnamese

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-25 13:03:55 UTC

There are various state-wide BH resources available to youth and their families. This PDF provides an overview that should be shared with youth and their families.

This document is also available on this Padlet in:

State Mental Health Resources for Youth and Families in Spanish

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-25 13:05:23 UTC

There are various state-wide BH resources available to youth and their families. This PDF provides an overview that should be shared with youth and their families.

This document is also available on this Padlet in:

State Mental Health Resources for Youth and Families in Simplified Chinese

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-25 13:07:14 UTC

There are various state-wide BH resources available to youth and their families. This PDF provides an overview that should be shared with youth and their families.

This document is also available on this Padlet in:

State Mental Health Resources for Youth and their Families in Haitian Creole

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-25 13:09:36 UTC

There are various state-wide BH resources available to youth and their families. This PDF provides an overview that should be shared with youth and their families.

This document is also available on this Padlet in:

State Mental Health Resources for Youth and their Families in Brazilian Portuguese

nicolebarnaby — 2025-07-25 13:11:08 UTC

There are various state-wide BH resources available to youth and their families. This PDF provides an overview that should be shared with youth and their families.

This document is also available on this Padlet in:

Emergency Planning Fact Sheet for Parents with Uncertain Immigration Status

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-05 12:49:48 UTC

The Attorney General's Office has released legal options that a parent might want to consider for a child who would remain in the United States in the event of parental detention or deportation.

A full guide can be found here: Emergency Planning Guide for Parents with Uncertain Immigration Status_July 2025 (002).pdf

Let's Talk Guide for Facilitating Critical Conversations with Students

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-05 14:51:14 UTC

School staff play a crucial role in helping students talk openly about the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of social inequality and discrimination. Learning how to communicate about such topics as white privilege, police violence, economic inequality and mass incarceration requires practice, and facilitating critical conversations with students demands courage and skill.

Let's Talk! Discussing Gender in the Classroom

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-05 14:52:08 UTC

Learning for Justice proudly presents our four-part webinar series Let's Talk! This series covers a range of critical topics that can be difficult to discuss with students and colleagues. For this third part in the series, Learning for Justice and Gender Spectrum are teaming up to help educators think beyond the gender binary and to create gender-inclusive classrooms. This interactive webinar will examine thought-provoking case studies and explore best practices.

Trauma-Informed Practices and Youth–Adult Partnerships Organizational Discussion Tool

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-05 16:18:12 UTC

This tool is designed to assist organizations serving middle school– and high school–aged youth in reflecting on their current integration of trauma-informed practices and youth-adult partnerships into organizational and programmatic decision-making.

Authentic Youth Engagement in Policy Framework

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-05 16:37:05 UTC

Youth and adult representatives tested and refined existing models of youth engagement in the policy process, resulting in the Authentic Youth Engagement in Policy Framework.

Universal Behavioral Health Screening Modules

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-05 16:52:38 UTC

These screening modules provide basic information about universal social, emotional, and behavioral screening as school or district teams prepare to:

implement screening
fine-tune and problem-solve around existing screening practices
engage in planning around linking screening data to intervention

Implementation of universal screening is best supported by ongoing coaching and technical assistance, including learning from other schools and districts who have engaged in universal screening.

Universal Behavioral Health Screening Modules

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-05 16:52:45 UTC

These screening modules provide basic information about universal social, emotional, and behavioral screening as school or district teams prepare to:

implement screening
fine-tune and problem-solve around existing screening practices
engage in planning around linking screening data to intervention

Implementation of universal screening is best supported by ongoing coaching and technical assistance, including learning from other schools and districts who have engaged in universal screening.

SBHE Mental Health Systems + Needs Assessment Checklist

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-06 14:15:47 UTC

This School Mental Health Systems Checklist is an optional tool to support the evaluation of your school’s or district’s mental health practices, policies, and community. This checklist can be used to help you answer the 4-question Mental Health Needs Assessment Form which is required of all recipients of the SBHE grant annually.

iDECIDE Facilitator Trainings

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-15 13:21:12 UTC

iDECIDE Facilitator Trainings are one full-day, conducted in-person, and FREE. They run approximately 15 trainings per year across Massachusetts, in 4 waves.

Click here to learn about upcoming trainings.

Finding LGBTQ-Affirming Behavioral Health Providers

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-18 14:28:41 UTC

This is a list of directories that can help you find LGBTQ-affirming behavioral health care:

Finding LGBTQ-Affirming Behavioral Health Providers

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-18 14:28:59 UTC

This is a list of directories that can help you find LGBTQ-affirming behavioral health care:

DESE Educator Model Rubrics

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-19 14:28:52 UTC

The purpose of these model rubrics is to support high-quality feedback and a meaningful evaluation process for Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) educators.

These SISP rubrics are being piloted in the 2025-26 school year. The pilot is open to all schools and districts. District or school leaders can complete this form to register to participate in the pilot. A training session will be offered in September 2025 and pilot participants will be asked to share feedback through a survey in Spring 2026. Feedback from pilot districts will inform final revisions to the SISP model rubrics for formal release in Summer 2026.

DESE Educator Model Rubrics

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-19 14:29:12 UTC

The purpose of these model rubrics is to support high-quality feedback and a meaningful evaluation process for Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) educators.

SEL/Pyschoed Materials for Students Pre-K-12

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-19 20:05:40 UTC

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide free STEM education materials for students (grades pre-K through 12) on this site. Topics include "the brain and mental health" and "drugs, alcohol, and addiction."

Psychoed & SEL Materials for Students Pre-K-12

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-19 20:05:53 UTC

Vaping Cessation Guide for School Nurses and Counselors

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-19 20:14:46 UTC

This guide contains information relevant to the youth quitting process that can aid discussions between a school nurse or counselor and their students. It includes a tool to assess dependence, suggested scripts to use when talking with youth about vaping, and additional resources.

Click here to order print copies. Free materials for parents about youth vaping are also available to order. The MDPH’s vaping campaign Toolkit for Schools is available at GetOutraged.org.

Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-19 20:23:18 UTC

The Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium is comprised of Massachusetts school districts committed to improving the mental health services and supports available to students across the Commonwealth. View their resource page here.

Restorative Practices Implementation Checklist for Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-20 15:41:31 UTC

The 12 Indicators of Restorative Practice Implementation was developed to offer guidance to administrators and their teams. The aim is to help teams understand the scope of implementation supports and to consider RP, SEL, and Equity initiatives in tandem.

OYYAS Resource Website

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-20 20:24:26 UTC

This webpage is a comprehensive guide to key resources, trainings and technical assistance opportunities for the youth and young adult substance use and mental health workforce.

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Services (OYYAS) within the MA Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) has a diverse continuum of care that includes services related to school-based intervention, community-based intervention, family support and engagement, youth withdrawal management and stabilization, residential treatment, and more.

OYYAS Resource Website

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-21 12:44:50 UTC

This webpage is a comprehensive guide to key resources, trainings and technical assistance opportunities for the youth and young adult substance use and mental health workforce.

Institute for Health & Recovery

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-21 13:54:07 UTC

IHR designs and implements synchronous and asynchronous trainings that promote and sustain individual and organizational capacity to deliver trauma-informed care, person-centered care, promote recovery, wellness, and equity. Training topics include substance use disorder, youth and young adults, trauma integration and treatment, wellness, and tobacco education and treatment.

Institute for Health & Recovery

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-21 13:54:14 UTC

Training & Capacity Building | Institute for Health and Recovery

Statewide Young Adult Council (SYAC)

nicolebarnaby — 2025-08-21 14:57:00 UTC

SYAC brings together youth, young adults, and providers to advise the Department of Mental Health and other young adult service organizations. They pay youth to participate in advocacy and community-building opportunities. They meet 1x a month virtually.

Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-03 13:02:45 UTC

The Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention gives educators and school administrators a comprehensive way to implement suicide prevention policies. There are specific, actionable steps to support school personnel; sample language for student handbooks; suggestions for involving parents and guardians in suicide prevention; and guidance for addressing in-school suicide attempts.

In collaboration with the American School Counselor Association, the National Association of School Psychologists, and The Trevor Project, the program is research-based and adaptable for middle and high schools.

SBHE FY26 Contract Conditions

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-03 13:11:43 UTC

By accepting and using SBHE funds, the recipient acknowledges and agrees to comply with the terms and conditions referenced below. Acceptance of funds constitutes agreement to these terms.

Youth Voice Resources

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-04 20:56:05 UTC

Rise: Otsego Substance Free Coalition engaged youth voice in their campaigns against substance use.

Classroom WISE

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-09 13:59:04 UTC

Classroom WISE is a FREE 3-part training package that assists K-12 educators and school staff in supporting the mental health of students in the classroom. Developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, this package offers evidence-based strategies and skills to engage and support students experiencing adversity and distress.

In addition to a free online course on mental health literacy for educators and school staff, a video library and resource collection are also available.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-09 14:04:24 UTC

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach teachers, school staff, and others how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Health-Related Needs Screening Tools

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-09 14:12:21 UTC

This resource can support educators with screening and supporting students' social influencers of health (also known as social determinants of health). It helps users explore a curated selection of screening tools that can support efforts to better understand the situations affecting a person’s health and everyday life. While the list does not include every possible tool, it features many trusted and commonly used options that support the work of health centers, schools, caregivers, and others.

Welcoming Immigrant Students

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-09 14:27:09 UTC

IDRA developed this infographic as a reminder that public schools, by law, must serve all children. Not only should immigrant students not be discouraged from attending, they are required to attend school under the state’s compulsory education laws.

The infographic is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese.

OYMH Training TA Calendar FY26

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-15 19:30:03 UTC

We are offering monthly trainings throughout the 2025-2026 school year to support community learning amongst our grantees. The topics and facilitators were chosen with SBHE/BHGV needs and goals in mind.

SBHE Metrics List (updated June 2025)

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-24 13:05:35 UTC

This document lists the metrics needed to complete the biannual reporting form.

Budget Amendment Form

nicolebarnaby — 2025-09-26 16:05:33 UTC

Budget amendment forms should be submitted to CSHS.Amendments@mass.gov and sbhe.amendments@mass.gov. SBHE line items should include an asterisk.

Joint Guidance Affirming Commitment to Equal Access to Education

nicolebarnaby — 2025-10-02 14:33:45 UTC

This guidance supports Massachusetts’ K-12 institutions in their work to further equal access and representation in education. The guidance can be found here.

In addition to this joint guidance, Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner Ortega shared additional information and resources with school districts, which you can read in their letter here for K-12.

OYMH Training TA Calendar FY26

nicolebarnaby — 2025-10-14 15:59:53 UTC

Budget Amendment Form

nicolebarnaby — 2025-10-16 20:43:20 UTC

Budget amendment forms should be emailed to your grant contact.

Model Policy: Addressing Student Substance Use Through Prevention, Education, and Service Referrals

nicolebarnaby — 2025-11-12 13:33:29 UTC

The purpose of this document is to support schools in aligning policy and practice specific to student substance use. This resource provides model policy language that can support school connection and foster equitable academic outcomes while also highlighting specific evidence-based strategies that schools may implement.

Model Policy: Addressing Student Substance Use Through Prevention, Education, and Service Referrals

nicolebarnaby — 2025-11-12 13:35:02 UTC

MIRA Support for Families

nicolebarnaby — 2026-01-12 21:53:03 UTC

Know your rights, resources for families, and immigration helpline and more.

SBHE Program Evaluation 1/20/26

nicolebarnaby — 2026-01-26 16:40:57 UTC

This PDF is an introduction to reporting requirements that will take effect for the July-December 2026 reporting period (reporting form will be available in January 2027).

To review the recording, click here.

Because the development of the new reporting requirements is ongoing, we would appreciate feedback after you've reviewed the material. Please click here to leave survey feedback. You can also email Nicole.Barnaby@mass.gov if you'd like to take part in a low-commitment working group to inform this process (or if the survey has closed).

Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2026-01-28 20:35:02 UTC

The Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools (BHELS) at William James College is offering a systems intervention for K-12 focused on Leading Transformative Mental Health in Schools. This unique program for school districts is designed for school leaders and teachers to address the increased behavioral and emotional dysregulation of our youth. The program is comprised of three components: for teachers, administrators, and systems...

Martin Psychological Services

nicolebarnaby — 2026-02-03 19:00:28 UTC

Workshops, toolkits, and client worksheets are some of the resources offered.

Governor Healy's Press Release to keep ICE out of Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2026-02-03 21:17:28 UTC

Governor Healey Takes Action to Keep ICE out of Schools, Hospitals, Courthouses, and Places of Worship.

Soluna

nicolebarnaby — 2026-02-11 21:28:18 UTC

A complete youth mental health system relies on all tiers working together. Tier 2 interventions and Tier 3 treatment services are most effective when they are supported by the strong foundation created in Tier 1.

Soluna operates at that foundation. It provides scalable, prevention-focused,

population-level support that helps young people strengthen wellbeing, build connection, and develop resilience before

challenges arise.

Guidance for Healthcare Providers

nicolebarnaby — 2026-04-02 18:52:49 UTC

No executive action has prohibited (or could prohibit) healthcare providers from offering services to all residents, regardless of immigration status, or protecting patient privacy as required by law.

Program and Policy Requirements Summary

nicolebarnaby — 2026-04-27 13:14:10 UTC

These program and policy requirements exist to advance the goals of the BHGV grant and building a trauma-informed, safe, and supportive school environment.

Belonging Action Tool

nicolebarnaby — 2026-04-28 17:00:28 UTC

Reimagining Migration developed this AI-powered tool to support educators and others with building belonging.

Toolkit for MA Professionals: Supporting Youth Impacted by SU

nicolebarnaby — 2026-05-19 21:51:47 UTC

The purpose of this toolkit is to provide professionals with education and resources in supporting young people, and their families who are impacted by substance use in the community and in programs

Immigration Guidance for Educators (May 2026)

nicolebarnaby — 2026-06-02 14:01:24 UTC

On January 29, 2026, Governor Maura Healey issued Executive Order 650: Protecting Access to Essential Services and Keeping Massachusetts Communities Safe (“Executive Order No. 650”). The Executive Office of Education is issuing this guidance as a framework for Education Entities to develop or update their own policies or procedures on these topics.

Powered By Peers: Building Peer Support Programs for Transgender & Nonbinary Youth Toolkit

nicolebarnaby — 2026-06-04 18:26:48 UTC

Young Adults SU Interview

nicolebarnaby — 2026-06-24 18:50:44 UTC

Would you like to contribute to our understanding of the relationship between loneliness, mental health, and alcohol use among young adults? Please consider filling out this short survey to see if you’re eligible to interview about these topics with a researcher and young adult with lived experience from Brandeis University. If you are selected to participate in a 60-minute interview, you will be compensated $30. Questions? Please contact Micah Webster at 978-501-5013 or micahwebster@brandeis.edu. Thank you!

Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

nicolebarnaby — 2026-07-13 18:09:48 UTC

This toolkit was created to equip youth-serving professionals, educators, health providers, and adult allies with best practices, cultural knowledge, and practical strategies to affirm, protect, and celebrate transgender and nonbinary youth.

Grantee-Recommended Training/TA Resources

nicolebarnaby — 2026-07-16 19:27:25 UTC

Equity Imperative

MTPC

BIRCh

BHELS

Lesley University

Family Preparedness and Legal Resources for Haitian and Syrian TPS Holders

nicolebarnaby — 2026-07-17 14:27:18 UTC

The Attorney General Office’s Emergency Planning Guide for Parents with Uncertain Immigration Status provides information to help parents identify trusted caregivers, organize important documents, and understand legal planning options available under Massachusetts law should parents or legal guardians be detained or otherwise become unable to care for a child.

STRONG for Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2026-08-14 13:27:35 UTC

Supporting Transition Resilience of Newcomer Groups (STRONG) is an evidence-based, school-based intervention for immigrant and refugee youth (K-12th grades). STRONG aims to build resilience and address psychological distress associated with the newcomer experience from a culturally contextualized lens.

Fostering Belonging: A Guide to Addressing Anti-Immigrant Bullying in Schools

nicolebarnaby — 2026-08-14 13:30:12 UTC

Anti-immigrant bullying in schools is a serious issue that affects students’ well-being, academic performance, and sense of belonging. This comprehensive guide provides educators with essential resources and strategies to address this challenge effectively while creating supportive learning environments for all students.

Playbl Complete Prevention System

nicolebarnaby — 2026-08-26 21:18:24 UTC

Playbl provides schools with engaging, research-backed games that make tackling tough topics like mental health and substance misuse easier, more interactive, and even fun through evidence-based digital health games.

Mental Health Toolkit for Immigrant Youth and Families

nicolebarnaby — 2026-08-28 16:47:21 UTC

This toolkit was developed by one of our Youth Advisory Board members to support immigrant youth and families with accessing care, knowing their rights, emergency preparedness, and more.