Prevention and Universal Intervention Tools

This toolkit was created by HEARD Alliance in 2013 in response to a need for schools to address student mental and emotional wellness to prevent suicide and, in particular, how to respond after a suicide loss. Through the promotion of youth behavioral health, the ability of students to learn and thrive is enhanced. The tools and resources provided in this updated Toolkit are meant to complement what schools may already have in place and to help initiate the implementation of a “Pupil Suicide Prevention Policy”.

This report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes the public health context for the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental disorders in children. It also describes opportunities for implementing evidence-based programs to reach families in need and summarizes the evidence base that shows that the programs do indeed strengthen the caretaking skills of parents and other caregivers and enhance child resilience.

This guide on Children’s Mental Health Promotion and Support: Strategies for Educators was developed by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). School mental health services promote the psychological health of all students, providing protective support to students at risk and supporting educational environments. It is imperative that educators be aware of the warning signs of mental health difficulties and of the resources they can call on for consultation and support.

This guide (NACDD, 2018) provides a suggested process and resources for building or expanding an effective school employee wellness initiative.

This toolkit by Routledge teaches How to Look Out for Yourself, Avoid Toxic Colleagues, and Spread Positive Energy through Your School and Classroom.

This Wellbeing In School Environments (WISE) workbook (2020) aims to help teachers develop their own personal well-being plan.