LOUISIANA Community Mental Health Services Block Grant ...

schools), that have functional PBIS teams that are coordinating the implementation of a positive
behavioral approach, PBIS, at their respective schools.
Schools implementing PBIS have shown a decrease in suspensions and expulsions. Some school
districts utilize site-based Behavior Intervention Specialists. School and educational related
initiatives including home character education, bullying prevention, and drug free programs provide
evidence of the integration of public mental health services with educational services for youth.
When compared to control groups, PBIS groups show an increase in social skills by 20 percent
based on pre- and post-measures. While not directed specifically to the EBD population, these
programs significantly benefit children and youth with EBD. Training opportunities and materials to
support PBS implementation may be found on the website: www.lapositivebehavior.com.
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
The Louisiana school system is in full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA), and subsequent amendments to the IDEA under P.L. 105-117. In order to address the
IDEA amendments in Louisiana, many significant changes were made in education policies and
procedures.
Since the implementation of the IDEA in 1998, it is recognized that youth with emotional or
behavioral disorders (EBD) are capable of and should be able to receive high school diplomas.
Children and youth with EBD do not necessarily have cognitive disorders, and therefore with
appropriate accommodations can learn and can earn a diploma. The development of Alternative
Schools and Structured Learning Programs (SLP) in alternative school settings allow middle and
high school students with EBD to receive intensive services to modify the behaviors that interfere
with the individual‟s ability to learn. Similarly, on elementary school campuses, there is a
Structured Learning Class (SLC) where children with EBD are placed with additional resources
available to them.
Educational Supports by Region/ Local Governing Entity:
Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD)
2,495 students received mental health services at SBHCs
Capital Area Human Services District (CAHSD)
28 SBHCs in the seven parish District
685 students received mental health services at SBHCs
Via the School Based Therapy program, approximately 761 clients were served (354
elementary, 243 middle, 164 high school)
2993 students were reached during Children‟s Mental Health Week in May, which focused
on SAMHSA‟s recommended topic, “My Feelings are My World.”
27 schools are effectively utilizing PBIS
Region III
719 students received mental health services at SBHCs
Region IV
Early Childhood Supports & Services (ECSS) - provides specialized therapeutic and case
management services for young children ages 0-5 and their parents, including behavioral
intervention and skills training.
PART C LOUISIANA FY 2011 PAGE 244
SECTION III: ADULT & CHILD/ YOUTH PLAN – CRITERION 3
CHILDREN’S SERVICES -- SYSTEM OF INTEGRATED SERVICES