Delaware lawmakers push more mental health resources for schools in wake of a traumatic event

DELAWARE – “I believe in my heart that every school system, especially in the state of Delaware, is looking for programs that they can use to be able to support their students, families, and also our staff members,” Reid said.  

Delaware lawmakers have a possible solution as they recently introduced House Bill 4. The bill would provide additional behavioral health resources to school districts statewide to address school-related trauma events. This includes the death of a student or any school employee.  “When we think about it, our kids and our youth are vulnerable, and they need services and protections in place to help them,” Dr. Thomas said.

Under the bill, the department of education would collaborate with mental health organizations like NAMI Delaware to develop best practices.  

NAMI Delaware CEO Dr. Joshua Thomas says the move could take some pressure away from teachers who may currently handle these concerns.  “They certainly have a role to play, which is a very important role, but they need resources. They need access to experts,” Dr. Thomas said.  

The Indian River School District is already one step ahead.  Supervisor of Supportive Services Nika Reid says they were one of the first districts to place mental health counselors across all schools.  “These counselors work together and are supportive of one another in the needs of our buildings and developing programs to be able to support our youngest learner to our oldest learner,” Reid said. 

Although they already have a crisis plan set, Reid says traumatic events both locally and nationwide show that needs continue to evolve.  Their response she says is increasing their awareness.  “Putting pencils down and being able to just have dialogue and talk about the things that are really concerning. What is that burning thing that’s going on the inside?” Reid said.  

The Indian River School District says they’re looking into trauma informed practices like an initiative called Classroom 180. That involves educators who volunteer their time off the clock to learn more about what positive mental health can look like in their classrooms.

NAMI Delaware says increasing this access to mental health resources could be a pathway to connect individuals to long-term treatment.

That bill now sits in the House Education committee where it awaits consideration.