FLEMINGTON, NJ — Hunterdon Central Regional High School in Flemington, recognized for its existing array of student mental health programs, has been selected as one of 50 schools throughout New Jersey to participate in a groundbreaking project designed to bolster these services. In collaboration with the Rutgers University Center for Comprehensive School Mental Health, the state Department of Education is embarking on a three-year program to provide “intensive training” to educators, counselors, and school psychologists at the chosen institutions, enabling them to implement “evidence-based practices and strategies” that enhance mental health support services.
At Hunterdon Central, where a comprehensive suite of mental health support programs is already in place, this initiative signifies both a reinforcement of existing services and the introduction of new opportunities for students. Dr. Carol Webb, Director of Special Services at the high school, highlighted the increase in mental health needs among students prior to the pandemic, a trend mirrored across the state. Dr. Webb emphasized that these needs have only intensified in the wake of the pandemic, along with the demand for corresponding programs.
Dr. Ann Murphy, Associate Professor and Director of Rutgers Center for Comprehensive School Mental Health, underscored that the chosen schools represent a diversity of starting points. Some already boast a range of mental health services, while others are at the initial stages of development. The program’s aim is to build upon existing resources and expand services accordingly.
Governor Phil Murphy’s recent announcement of the “Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project” coincides with the imminent start of the academic year. Many students continue to grapple with mental health concerns such as anxiety, eating disorders, and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in June 2023 that 14.9% of children aged five to 17 received some form of mental health treatment in the preceding 12 months.
The selection process for participating schools involved an evaluation of their level of need based on publicly available data, as well as factors such as discipline referrals, absenteeism rates, and readiness to implement the program. Rutgers University played a pivotal role in assessing these criteria.
Administrators from the selected school districts will engage in an orientation project in August, followed by the initiation of project activities by school-based mental health educator teams in September. Rutgers’ trainers will collaborate with these teams, composed of educators, counselors, school psychologists, social workers, administrators, and other staff members. The objective is to review and reinforce the school’s mental health approaches, identify areas requiring enhancement, and explore partnerships with community mental health agencies.
Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education, praised the collaboration, stating that it signifies a significant stride toward fostering a more resilient and empathetic educational system. She emphasized that the initiative equips New Jersey schools with the tools needed to cultivate a culture of care and understanding for students.
The “Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project” operates independently from the controversial “New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network model.” While the latter seeks to expand mental health services across the state, the former is intended to complement it and other youth mental health initiatives.
With a budget allocation of $43 million for the fiscal year 2024, the NJ4S model aims to offer enhanced mental health services statewide, a move supported by some while criticized by others who advocate for safeguarding school-based programs. The rollout of the NJ4S model is slated to coincide with the commencement of the new school year in September.
Administrators and officials at Hunterdon Central Regional High School District have expressed gratitude for the initiative, acknowledging the collective effort required to address the pressing needs of students. Dr. Jeffrey Moore, Superintendent of the district, affirmed the importance of collaboration in making a meaningful impact on students’ lives.
The “Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project” follows the release of the “New Jersey Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Resource Guide” in 2022, reflecting a concerted effort to address the mental health needs of students, educators, and school staff.
Funding for the “Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project” is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund.