Description

The Mental Health Crisis Facing Youth in US Public Schools: The Need for a Paradigm Shift and Universal Comprehensive Measures

As the mental health crisis continues to grow worldwide, the impact on youth in US public schools is becoming a topic that can no longer be ignored. Concerns regarding youth mental health in the country pre-date the recent Covid-19 pandemic, however, the drastic shift in daily life along with prolonged periods of social isolation have caused increases in youth struggling with anxiety, depression, and diminished social skills. If left unchecked the consequences of this crisis will be far-reaching and could negatively impact the current and future generations. While preK-12 students spend a great deal of time in the school environment it becomes the responsibility of the school system to put measures in place to address the mental health and well-being of the students.

This presentation will begin by examining the scope of the crisis itself. The systematic literature review portion will examine what measures are currently being taken in public schools across the country to address the mental health crisis. The conceptual portion of the presentation will explore and define relevant theories and the responsibility of higher education. The practice application portion will provide the potential solution of implementing a comprehensive universal mental health program in all public schools in the United States. The presentation will conclude with a brief synthesis of all key findings and conclusions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the scope of the mental health crisis facing US public school students.
2. Awareness of measures currently in place in public schools in the US, as well as current gaps and limitations.
3. Understand and be able to explain relevant theories and articulate what a universal comprehensive mental health program is.

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

 

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/22-9/29/25. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Melissa Whitaker at melissa.whitaker@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.