The School Linked Behavioral Health Program is a collaboration between the Philadelphia School District, the Behavioral Health System and the DCBPS. The program works with families, educational staff and behavioral health providers to deliver a continuum of support and services to children with behavioral health needs and those at risk for behavioral health problems. Through prevention and early intervention services, the program strives to alleviate or decrease the intensity of problems and to facilitate academic achievement and growth for the children served.

Access

The gateway to all Prevention services is IRSS (Internal Referral Support Services). IRSS provides support to DHS staff and clients by linking individuals directly to appropriate DCBPS services as well as many services outside the DHS system. DHS staff can access IRSS by clicking here for the Internal Referral Form, or by calling (215) 683-4000.

Consultation and Education Specialist Services

Consultation and Education (C&E) Services assist children and their families in obtaining the behavioral health and community services they need. The C&E supports the efforts of school staff in managing the challenges related to educating students with emotional or behavioral problems. C&E services are a collaborative effort led by the C&E, working with educators, and drawing on the skills and services of the behavioral health system and social services programs in the community where the family lives.

The C&E

The C&E specialist is stationed at one or more public schools. While formally supervised by a mental health agency, the C&E is directly involved in the school’s behavior management programs and participates actively in the Comprehensive Student Assistance Process, interagency meetings and other school meetings. The C&E has two primary functions:


• Child and Family Support Services which direct support to a child and his or her family


• School Consultation Services which enhance the capacity of the school to address behavioral problems appropriately


Eligibility

C&E services are available to any child in the school. Services are provided regardless of insurance and whether or not the child has a mental health diagnosis.

Referrals

Children are generally referred to the program through the school’s Comprehensive Student Assistance Process (CSAP), the Small Learning Community Coordinator (SLCC), Counselor or other school staff.