Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Delaware receiving $9 million for mental health care in schools

Delaware Public Media

Delaware is receiving federal support to expand mental health services in some of its schools.

It comes in the form of a $9 million competitive grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to fund project DelAWARE.

The project is a partnership between the Department of Education, the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families, and three school districts—one in each county.

School Support Services Director Susan Haberstroh says part of the money will go towards hiring a new counselor in each of the three districts.

“So it’s really building upon some of the structures that already exist,” said Haberstroh. “You may hear the expression multi-tiered systems of support and that’s kind of what we’re looking for. Not all kids need the same level of support, but where they are identified that’s where our services are provided.”  

It’s a five-year grant sending the First State $1.8 million per year.

Those dollars will also help pay to implement mental health awareness training for faculty, along with mental health treatment in school and at student’s homes and follow up services as needed.

“One of the evidence-based practices that was identified in the grant is designed to work with the families,” said Haberstroh. “So not only working with the student but helping the families understand what is happening with the child.”

Colonial, Capital and Indian River School Districts are participating—representing about one-fifth of Delaware’s student population with almost 27,000 enrolled between the three districts.

Related Content