HCPS FL Logo Academic Support and Federal Programs
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, May 16, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Memorandum of Agreement with Northside Behavioral Health Center (Northside) (Academic Support and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Northside is a non-profit organization committed to helping residents in Hillsborough County suffering from or at risk of developing mental illness.  Northside boasts multiple sites throughout the county and is dedicated to providing evidence-based wellness and clinical services that help individuals use their strengths and abilities to live productive, independent, and happier lives.  Northside staff provides expert care to children and youth who have been victims of violence, witnessed violence, and/or have experienced loss or trauma.

Upon approval of this agreement, Northside and the district will continue its rich partnership designed to meet the mental health needs of students.  This agreement will establish a framework for collaboration that provides targeted students access to school-based interventions provided by Northside at three to five identified high-risk elementary schools within the 33612 zip code area.

Interventions provided as needed to students and their families will include screening and assessment; counseling at school and home; direct coordination of care to general health, medical, and psychiatric services; treatment for co-occurring disorders; assistance with managing symptoms of severe emotional disturbance; support, education, and skill-building for youth; group services; individual and family counseling; and linkages to psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Develop a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration • Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders • Continuously improve processes and systems • Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety: student, employee, visitor, facility, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
All costs for these services will be provided by Northside.  The district will ensure each targeted school provides work space that maintains the confidentiality of the child and/or family.
EVALUATION
Northside will work in collaboration with district personnel to garner appropriate information to complete all required reporting.  Data reports will include statistical information that will indicate and/or improve the provision of the following: reduce the incidences of maltreatment reports; provide early identification of behavioral health issues with in-school screenings; increase the percentage of families involved in their child's resiliency activities; decrease school absenteeism rate within each identified elementary school; reduce juvenile crime; reduce the number of children removed from their homes; and decrease the number of Baker Act initiations and admissions to crisis units.
SUBMITTED BY:  Anne Townsend, Supervisor, Psychological Services
Myrna Hogue, Supervisor, School Social Work
Holly Saia, Ed.S., Director, Student Services
Tracye H. Brown   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Assistant Superintendent, Academic Support and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 3.01
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170516_813 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 3.01