Embedded Files
Role of a School Counselor
Role of a School Counselor
School counselors are certified/ licensed educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program.
School Counselors help all students:
apply academic achievement strategies
manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
plan for postsecondary options (high education, military, workforce
ASCA(2023)
Students in Crisis Supports and Resources
Students in Crisis Supports and Resources
or visit https://988lifeline.org/
Other Resources
Grassroots Crisis Intervention: DIAL 410-531-6677 or visit https://grassrootscrisis.org/
The Maryland Crisis Hotline: Dial 211 and then choose option 1
The National Suicide and Prevention Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255
Please click the "HCPSS Crisis Supports and Resources" for a list of supports and resources.
Mental Health and Wellness
Mental Health and Wellness
"HCPSS promotes the mental health and wellness of each of our students to develop their unique strengths, abilities, and characteristics towards success and well-being. Staff consider the variety of factors that impact a student’s functioning such as age, cultural background, social emotional skills, academic outcomes, and access to resources. "
Family Resources and Supports
Family Resources and Supports
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) provides countless supports for students and families, and recognizes there are times when additional help is needed. Various reputable county, state and national organizations can provide assistance every day and during times of crisis. The link below houses a list of resources/organizations.
CAREAPP is an electronic tool that allows us to help you and other residents in Howard County connect to services such as food, health, housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and more.
Howard County Network of Care provides information in a range of human services, with materials available in over 100 languages.
Behavioral Health Navigator connects Howard County community memebers, provideors, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Substance Use Support and Resources
Substance Use Support and Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
"HCPSS strives to support students prior to disciplinary infractions involving tobacco, drugs and/or alcohol. Student services staff members are available to support and discuss with students and families. In addition, supportive actions may include, but are not limited to, free, non-disciplinary, non-punitive, individualized services such as counseling; mental health services referral, increased monitoring or supervision; parent conferences, referral to the school’s Student Support Team (SST), and referral to Student Assistance Program (SAP). "
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
"The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is an intervention program used in schools that provides a systematic procedure of early identification, intervention, referral and follow-up for students displaying potentially unsafe behaviors related to involvement with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Parent/guardian(s) and students who are concerned can contact their school for a Student Assistance Form. If you are concerned either before or after a referral is made, you also can reach out to your school counselor for support."
Please note that SAP referrals may result in the following outcomes for students and families: sharing of community resources and/or referral for a free assessment through Integrative Counseling or Grassroots.
If you have a student concern, please contact our Howard SAP Liaison at 410-313-2871
Support for Military Families
Support for Military Families
"Howard County is home to a diverse community that includes active duty, guard, reserve, and veteran armed services members and their children, many of whom are students in the Howard County Public School System. "
Please click the " HCPSS Military Families" button below to access more resources:
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