Recommendation #2: Resource Mapping

LEAs are encouraged to engage in Resource Mapping which is “a system-building process historically utilized by communities, organizations, schools, and service centers to align resources, strategies, and outcomes available" (Crane & Mooney, 2005).

Most Communities/LEAs/schools have already done work around at least identifying school and community resources for behavioral, social, emotional, and mental health needs, and some have already engaged in the work of aligning the resources, strategies, and outcomes. The COVID-19 school closures do not negate the Resource Mapping work that has already been done. It does, however, bring different results from the Needs Assessment and it produces a new set of challenges with resource delivery. Teams are encouraged to consider the current data and the new challenges as they begin to update the alignment of school and community resources.