Mental and behavioral services provided to WCPSS students in school should be based on the following principles and guidelines: ● Services will be provided by fully licensed or associate licensed professionals(LCMHC, LCSW, LMFT) who are supervised and capable of consulting with other licensed professionals as needed. Student interns or individuals without a completed and conferred master’s degree AND clinical mental health license cannot provide services. ● Family engagement and active family involvement is critical at the initiation and throughout the treatment process. Parent engagement is required monthly. ● Services will only be provided to students who are younger than 18 years old following the receipt of parental/guardian consent. ● Students who are 18 years of age or older can provide consent to receive services without consent of parent/guardian ● Providers/agencies agree to follow the process and protocol determined by WCPSS regarding referral for services and to work with WCPSS to develop appropriate consent forms and information materials about services offered. ● Services should be proactive and positive, building on the strengths of the students and families. ● Service providers should show willingness to build strong collaborations with school administrators, student services and support staff, teachers, and other school staff. ● Services must follow the mandate to be least intrusive, least restrictive, and responsive to the individual needs of the child within the school setting. ● All employees and contractors of the agency provider shall agree to follow all WCPSS rules, regulations, procedures (including background checks and screening processes), and Board policies when providing services to WCPSS students on school property. ● Mental health providers must immediately inform school staff of student safety concerns that cannot be kept confidential such as suicidality, self-harm, homicidal ideation, or psychosis. ● Providers/agencies will be responsible for billing, paperwork, necessary signatures to begin services, and for release of information.
