TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - The implementation of mental health policies and practices in schools: an examination of school and state factors
JO  - Journal of school health
A1  - Guerra, Laura A.
A1  - Rajan, Sonali
A1  - Roberts, Katherine J.
SP  - 328
EP  - 338
VL  - 89
IS  - 4
N2  - BACKGROUND: Poor mental health outcomes persist among adolescent youth. Secondary schools play a critical role in fostering positive mental health by implementing policies and practices grounded in evidence. The factors associated with implementation, however, are unclear. This study examines which school- and state-level factors are associated with improved implementation of mental health policies and practices at secondary schools across the United States. <br><br>METHODS: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data stemming from 3 datasets (School Health Policies and Practices, School Health Profiles, and Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System) surveys were integrated and analyzed. <br><br>RESULTS: Health educator certification, school use of data during school improvement planning, presence of a health/safety coordinator, presence of a health council and state-provided health educator professional development in mental health and suicide prevention were each significantly positively associated with schools' implementation of mental health policies and practices. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: To promote improved implementation of mental health policies and practices in schools and provide better support for youth mental health outcomes, the use of certified health educators and health-related supports should be considered. State health and education agencies should undertake evaluations of its mental health practices to ensure the assistance they offer to schools is evidence based.<br><br>© 2019, American School Health Association.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0022-4391
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/josh.12738
ID  - ref1
ER  -