Mental Health Liaison
Mental Health Liaisons are school-based professionals who will coordinate the individual school-based mental health programs.
Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, as a result of funding from a local referendum, every school in Lake County now has a dedicated Mental Health Liaison. The Mental Health Liaison provides site-based support and assistance to school communities regarding best practices in mental wellness, identifying students at-risk for mental health challenges, and appropriately referring students with high/severe needs.
Primary roles and responsibilities include:
Intervention
- Coordinating school-based mental health services across all tiers of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework
- Providing direct services with students, such as individual and group counseling
Collaboration
- Participating in problem solving meetings for students at-risk for mental health challenges
- Collaborating with district and school-based mental health professionals in the problem solving process in regards to mental health/wellness
- Working with Lifestream and other community agencies to provide wraparound services to students when a higher level of care is needed
Professional Development
- Providing school level professional development regarding mental wellness and interventions
Crisis Intervention
- Coordinating crisis intervention and prevention for the school community
Parent and Community Awareness
- Building bridges with families and community agencies to build relationships and make connections to resources
- Providing outreach to parents and community members regarding mental wellness and protective factors
Program Development
- Developing, implementing and monitoring school procedures, in coordination with school-based leadership, to ensure compliance with district Mental Health Plan
- Gathering data to help identify students in need of help and ensure program effectiveness
Mental Health Liaison
Ms. Justine Graeff
GraeffJ@lake.k12.fl.us
Resources:
- Lake County Schools Mental Health Portal
- District Mental Health Plan
- Lake County Community Resources
- Suicide Prevention Hotline:
- 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:
- “HOME” 741741