Children and Schools Resource Center

Last updated September 2023

Facts for Families

AACAP's Facts for Families provide concise up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.

• Starting School
  
• School Services for Children with Special Needs: Know Your Rights
• School Refusal
• Transitioning from High School to College
  
• Starting College with a Psychiatric Illness

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Youth FAQs

How can a child ask for help at school?

A child can talk with the teacher or the school counselor in person to request help. If there is a school based mental health center co-located at the school, the clinic can provide services for youth on site. If the school has an arrangement with a local mental health center this can provide support to the child at a different location or directly on site. Parental permission is required if the child is below the age of consent for the state as consent is regulated by state law.

What should a child know about attending a school meeting?

A child will meet the professionals involved with his/her education including: teachers, school district representative, and the school psychologist. At the meeting there will be a discussion of the student’s present level of performance including current levels of academic, social, and behavioral functioning. Progress that the student has made towards meeting his/her annual goals will be reviewed. The student can develop in coordination with his/her team, new educational goals for the coming year. Finally there will be a discussion on how well the student’s accommodations, modifications and specialized supports are working for the child.

Treatment Resources

• Finding a New Normal: Life After a Natural Disaster (CDC)
  2020 has been a difficult year for many. In addition to the pandemic, our nation has faced an unprecedented hurricane season and wildfires, as well as earthquakes and tornadoes. Supporting mental health through these challenges is critical, for people of all ages. To help teenagers who have experienced a natural disaster cope, CDC has developed a series of resources for teens, including videos, social media graphics, and posters
• Comic Just For Kids: How To Stay Safe From The Coronavirus (NPR)

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Apps

Visit Common Sense for a collection of apps used in schools to target social and emotional learning, mindfulness, and identifying feelings.

Calm
Cost: Free
Platforms: iOS and Android
Developer: Calm.com
Calm provides people experiencing stress and anxiety with guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing programs, and relaxing music.

MY3
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Developer: Mental Health Association of New York City Inc.
Developed in partnership with national suicide prevention hotline, allows use of evidenced based safety plan on phone and integrates additional resources such as the national suicide hotline.

Mindful gNATs
Platforms: Android
Cost: Free
Developer: Handaxe
Designed to teach young people simple mindfulness and relaxation skills, used in schools.

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Books

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The content of AACAP's site, such as text, graphics, images, and all other content are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AACAP has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on this website. However, the information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.

AACAP does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained on this website. AACAP does not endorse or recommend any commercial products or services. In addition, private parties may not use them for advertising or product endorsement purposes. 

© 2024 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry