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Abstract: 

There is increasing recognition that many barriers get in the way of children and youth receiving services in traditional settings such as community mental health centers or local hospitals. In recognition of these barriers, there is a significant national movement toward moving community-based mental health services to youth where they are, in the schools. This article outlines the major initiatives now underway—including PBIS, SMH, ISF, and Communities of Practice—focused on advancing school behavioral health, reducing barriers to learning and improving student functioning. The remaining articles in the issue focus on specific strategies and approaches for achieving these goals, including fostering good mental health services for teachers as well as students, key classroom management skills for engaging in effective instruction, and a comprehensive review of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and their impact on behavioral health and student performance.

Keywords: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS); Expanded School Mental Health (SMH); The Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF)

Affiliations:  1: University of South Carolina; 2: South Carolina Association for Positive Behavior Support Network.