When a school staff member receives information that a student has either entered and/or will be released from an in-patient or partial hospitalization stay, this information should always be shared with building administrators, nurses, school counselors, and school adjustment counselors.
Attendance should be coded as Academic Services after receiving documentation that a student has been admitted to a hospital, CBAT program, or partial hospitalization program.
Every attempt should be made to coordinate care between school, family, and treatment programs. This can include requesting that the parent/guardian complete a release of information, communication with program staff during the treatment, and whenever possible, participation in discharge planning and attendance at the discharge meeting by a member of the school mental health team.
A re-entry meeting should occur prior to the student returning to the Chicopee Public Schools. At times, discharges will be abrupt due to insurance, please ask programs and families to inform the school ASAP so that the re-entry meeting can be set up.
At times, parents/guardians may refuse to sign a release of information. This is their right, however, school staff can and should make every effort to engage with families and build trust. Sometimes, despite your efforts, parents/guardians will not return calls, sign releases, or attend their child’s re-entry meeting. This could be considered neglect in some situations and a 51A report may need to be filed with DCF.