Issues

LaJoy believes in addressing mental health needs of our students, educators and schools. This is not just a priority, but a necessity. LaJoy is dedicated to forging strong partnerships between schools, government agencies, and community organizations to prioritize mental health and well-being for all Ward 8 schools, but especially our students. Here's how we plan to implement policies and initiatives to support mental health:

• School-Based Mental Health Services: We must continue advocacy efforts to fund and expand access to mental health services within all of our Ward 8 schools that provide on-site counseling, therapy, and support groups for students struggling with mental health issues. This can also be implemented by a collaborative care teams initiative. Collaborative Care teams will help to develop individualized care plans and coordinate services across multiple systems. By integrating these services into the school environment, we can reduce barriers to access and ensure early intervention and support.
  
  

• Self-Care and Wellness Programs for Educators: There must be a prioritization around the well-being of our educators by implementing self-care and wellness programs that promote stress management, resilience-building, and work-life balance at our schools. These initiatives may include mindfulness practices, wellness workshops, and access to mental health resources.
  
  

• Trauma-Informed Practices: We'll implement trauma-informed practices within our schools to create safe and supportive environments for students who have experienced trauma. This approach recognizes the impact of adverse experiences on mental health and emphasizes sensitivity, empathy, and understanding in interactions with students.

By working together across schools, government agencies, and community organizations, we can create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental health that ensures every student has the support they need to thrive.