MENTAL HEALTH
Part of Head Starts intervention plan is to assist parents to form linkages with counseling programs that target specific mental health issues. Educational materials and opportunities to learn about mental health can be provided through brochures, bulletin boards, community resource and referral information, support groups, and by ensuring that well-informed staff are available to informally and confidentially discuss issues with children and families and to make appropriate referrals.
Mental Health information to parents includes, but is not limited to:
- Prevention programs for at-risk families,
- Help for other family members through such groups as Al-Anon and other support organizations,
- Identification of resources relating to domestic violence, and
- Information about local substance abuse treatment programs.
OWCAP Head Start's Mental Health Specialist works with children and families as well as staff that are in need Mental Health services. He has broken his responsibilities as the Mental Health Specialist into three areas.
- Prevention programming. This will include providing
information, training or workshops aimed at helping children, families and
staff to improve and maintain their mental health as well as their overall
wellness.
- Identification and Referral. This includes providing
assessment and diagnosis along with providing information where individuals
and families can find appropriate services.
- Treatment. In some cases he will provide direct services including family, marital, individual and group therapy.