Resource Library

For Parents & Caregivers

Connect4Families Toolkit

Simplifying access to behavioral health services and facilitating collaboration among families, providers, and schools The Connect4Families toolkit was developed in 2023 to help families, providers, and schools better collaborate and connect children to…

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Evidence-Based Practices Provider Directory

The Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI) and the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) maintain this directory of providers of several key evidence-based practices available in Connecticut to…

For Schools

Jordan Porco Foundation

Foundation committed to preventing suicide and promoting mental health in the high school, college, and college entry student population through awareness, education, and innovative programming.

For Schools

Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) & Bounce Back

Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) is an evidence-based, school-based group intervention for grades 5-12 that has been shown to reduce PTSD, depression symptoms, and psychosocial dysfunction in…

For Parents & Caregivers

KidsHealth.org

Comprehensive resource site developed by Nemours Children’s Health for parents, youth, and educators on all things related to kids’ physical and behavioral health. Click the button below to visit KidsHealth.org.

For Parents & Caregivers

Wrightslaw: Special Education Legal Help

At the Wrightslaw website, parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys can find accurate, reliable information and trainings about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

For Schools

StopBullying.gov

StopBullying.gov provides information on how kids, teens, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying, and links to help and support resources.

For Schools

Connecticut School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI)

CT SBDI is a statewide program that reduces the rate of in-school arrests, expulsions, and out-of-school suspensions by training schools on behavioral health topics and alternative discipline practices and connecting more students to behavioral health services.

For Providers

Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI)

CHDI advances effective, innovative system, practice, and policy solutions that result in equitable and optimal behavioral health and well-being for children, youth, and families in CT and beyond through research, evaluation, training and technical assistance, and demonstration projects that inform systems change. Offers publications, provider training resources, technical assistance and consulting, and more.

FAQs

What can a parent or caregiver expect after they request a referral to special education or related services?

If an evaluation is needed, a team which includes the parents (In Connecticut this is called a Planning and Placement Team, PPT) will meet to share information about the child’s…

For Parents & Caregivers

10 Basic Steps to Obtaining Special Education Services

This helpful overview from the Center for Parent Information and Resources explains the process by which children are identified as having a disability and in need of special education and…

For Schools

School Shooting Resources (NCTSN)

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCSTN) has an extensive online resource center to help parents, teachers, and youth cope in the aftermath of school shootings or other acts of mass violence.

For Schools

Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems

Approaching student mental health with a comprehensive, trauma-informed lens that integrates health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and more intensive treatments leads to better outcomes for schools, students, and communities.

For Schools

Separation Anxiety and School Refusal

Adapted from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry’s (AACAP) page on School Refusal: Going to school is usually an enjoyable event for children, but for some, it can…

For Parents & Caregivers

Facts About Bullying (AACAP Resource Center)

Adapted from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Bullying Resource Center Page Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that can present in the form of threats, physical assault,…

For Parents & Caregivers

Special Education Resources for Connecticut Families

Information and support related to special education in Connecticut.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Data on Students Served Under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 7.5 million (as of school year…

For Schools

National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH)

The NCSMH at the University of Maryland School of Medicine provides training and technical assistance to schools, districts, municipalities, and states to support school mental health nationwide.

For Providers

Search Institute

Search Institute is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting positive youth development. They provide tools and resources to schools, youth programs, family-serving organizations, foster care programs, and other child-serving organizations and practitioners to build and strengthen developmental relationships.

For Schools

The Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs (CSBMHP) at Miami University

The Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs (CSBMHP) at Miami University builds collaborative relationships with schools and community agencies to address the mental health and school success of children and adolescents through the promotion of expanded school mental health programs and services.

For Schools

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

From the Center on PBIS: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented as intended,…

For Schools

Connecticut Association of School Based Health Centers

Find information about school-based health centers in Connecticut.

For Providers

National Association of School Psychologists

The NASP represents and supports School Psychologists across the U.S., offering training and professional development, research and policy advocacy, membership benefits, and more.

For Providers

U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. Find treatment referrals, clinician…

For Providers

State Education Resource Center (SERC)

SERC is a nonprofit agency that provides professional development and information dissemination on the latest research and best practices to educators, service providers, and families throughout the state, as well…

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut State Department of Education

Through leadership, curriculum, research, planning, evaluation, assessment, data analyses and other assistance, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE)'s mission is to ensure equal opportunity and excellence in education for all CT students.

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)

CPAC provides free training, support and empowerment for parents and professionals who have questions about the education of their children and students with disabilities, birth to age 26. Staffed by…

FAQs

What if a child is not in school and the parent or caregiver thinks the child may have a mental health issue or disability?

If a child is less than three years old and it is suspected that he or she may have a disability or significant delays, the child may be referred to…

FAQs

Where will a child receive his/her special education and related services?

A child who is eligible for special education and related services, if possible, must be educated with his/her non-disabled peers in the general education class in the school that the…

FAQs

What are some of the laws that protect a child with a mental issue or disability?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that offers special…

FAQs

How is progress measured in the IEP?

The IEP must include a statement of how the child’s progress will be measured. An explanation of how parents will be given information of that progress should be included in…

FAQs

How is an IEP different from a 504 plan?

A 504 plan, which falls under civil-rights law, is a plan to allow students with disabilities to participate freely and safely in school to get the same opportunities as everyone…

FAQs

What happens if the child is not eligible for special education?

If the PPT team decides that the child is not eligible for special education, the school district must tell the parents and caregivers of this decision in writing and explain…

FAQs

What is an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

If a child is found eligible to receive Special Education services, the IEP is a written plan that describes in detail your child’s special education program. All students receiving special…

FAQs

What is a Planning and Placement Team (PPT)

A PPT is a made up of certified and / or licensed professionals who represent: The child’s regular education teacher At least one special education teacher An individual who can…

FAQs

What can a parent or caregiver expect at the first PPT meeting?

The first PPT meeting will document the referral to special education and will discuss the evaluation process. The team will look at information that is already available about how the…

FAQs

What are the eligibility requirements for special education and related services?

To be eligible for special education and related services a child must be between 3 and 21 years old and have one or more of the following disabilities, determined by…

FAQs

How can a parent or caregiver request a referral to special education services?

There are two ways that a child may be identified as possibly needing special education and related services: the system known as Child Find (which operates in each state), and…

FAQs

What has to happen before a child is referred for special education and related services?

Before a child is considered for a referral to special education services, other procedures and programs must have been attempted with that child and where appropriate, put into place in…

FAQs

How can a parent or caregiver formally request help for their child through the school?

It is important to find out why a child may be having trouble at school. In some cases, a child may have a mental health issue or a disability. By…

FAQs

What are the steps to receive special education and related services for a child with a mental health issue or disability?

Meeting the educational needs of a child in school is important to their success. It is important for parents and caregivers to understand the process which can be confusing. There…

FAQs

What are “school-based mental health services” and who is providing them for the child?

School-based mental health services include a broad range of activities and services, including: formal assessment, prevention strategies, or interventions such as counseling, consultation, and referrals for services and supports in…

FAQs

How can I get help for my child from my community?

You can get help from your child’s pediatrician or from community mental health providers. To find a qualified mental health professional, you can talk with your private insurance company who…

FAQs

What are the warning signs that my child might be having difficulty in school due to mental health related issues?

As a parent, you usually know your child better than anyone else. There are a variety of signs that might suggest your child is having difficulties at school. Some possible things to…

FAQs

I have some concerns, what do I do next?

When you have concerns about your child’s behavior in school or are worried that their mental health problems may be interfering with their academic performance, the best thing to do…