Foundations for mentally healthy systems
The seven key foundations for effective school mental health practices are common to boards and schools that have managed to introduce, scale and sustain identity-affirming school mental health programming effectively. The foundations are drawn from implementation science research and a decade of SMH-ON implementation coaching practice in Ontario schools.
Foundations for System Leaders – Structures and Processes for Scalable and Sustainable School Mental Health
System leadership matters in establishing foundations for consistency and equitable mental health practices and services. When system leaders attend to these seven foundations and supporting elements, the conditions for coherence and focused direction are in place for uptake of evidence-informed, culturally responsive practices in support of student mental health and well-being.
1. Leadership commitment
Leadership commitment is demonstrated when system and school leaders are active in modelling, communicating and supporting decisions and activities that provide a mentally healthy experience for every student.
2. Vision and strategy
A clear and focused vision that is created collaboratively and is aligned with board priorities and initiatives is a key foundation for school mental health supports and addictions prevention.
3. Infrastructure
Bringing effective mental health and well-being to life in schools requires a dedicated infrastructure with support from system and school leaders. Ensuring that structures and processes serve every student well is central to this effort.
4. Protocols and processes
Protocols provide documented guidance and system clarity in supporting promotion, prevention, and early intervention related to mental health and addictions. Clearly described implementation processes to support the dissemination, implementation, use and monitoring of all mental health resources and practices are required for all protocols, resources, and services.
5. Evidence and monitoring
Sound implementation and outcome indicators, and measurement tools that inform needs and monitor uptake and effectiveness, are essential for making decisions in supporting student mental health and addictions prevention.
6. Engagement and collaboration
System and school leaders share responsibility for engaging in community and school system partnerships that promote differentiated and identity-affirming student mental health and well-being, with explicit and caring attention to identity-affirming, anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices to build an equitable and inclusive system for every student.
7. Internal and external communication
Communication needs to be dynamic, multidirectional and accessible for all internal and external stakeholders. Shared language and understanding are foundational for effective communication within and across schools, and with home and community. Part of excellence in communication includes engaging and amplifying diverse perspectives and approaches to mental health promotion at school.
Foundations for effective mental health practices
The foundations are relevant for system leaders, as directors of education and superintendents of education create the conditions at the board level that facilitate uptake and widespread use of high-yield identity-affirming mentally healthy practices.
The same foundations are equally pertinent for school leaders who establish the conditions upon which inclusive, identity-affirming evidence-informed practices can thrive.
System leader capacity includes the development of a leadership skillset that enables effective implementation of school mental health practices, including a deep knowledge of the foundations and the ability to tailor them for specific contexts. As a critical aspect of this work, system leadership matters for establishing consistent and equitable mental health practices and services using strong foundations.
System, school and classroom leadership sets the stage for effective school mental health practice across the tiers:
- creating mentally healthy systems, schools and classrooms
- championing inclusive, anti-oppressive, anti-racist practices to support learning environments that are welcoming and identify-affirming for every student
- ensuring strong Foundations for excellence in school mental health service delivery
Foundations for System Leaders Reflection Tool
When system leaders attend to these seven foundations and supporting elements, they can establish the conditions for coherence and focused direction resulting in uptake of evidence-informed, culturally responsive practices in support of student mental health and well-being. Leaders can reflect on their practice by using the Foundations for System Leaders Reflection Tool.