IB90_Peer_Support_Final_12.5.

It also summarizes CHDI’s review of peer linked to higher rates of behavioral health concerns and support models and includes recommendations for suicide.2,3 state policymakers and school districts to incorporate and sustain effective peer-led support programs in In 2022, Connecticut advanced peer support programs schools. [...] The legislation required Peer Support Programs Can Benefit Students and the Department of Children and Families (DCF), in Schools collaboration with the State Department of Education During adolescence, a growing sense of identity and (SDE), to develop a “peer-to-peer mental health support autonomy often result in seeking more support from program” and make it available to schools and youth- socia. [...] School-based peer support programs are modeled from the peer support programs in clinical settings Peer Support Programs Complement a for behavioral health, which are used as an adjunct to Comprehensive School Mental Health Approach traditional behavioral health services, and have been Schools are a natural setting to support behavioral health found to significantly improve outcomes for recipients. [...] It is important to note that peer University of Maryland to develop a CSMH framework for leaders in school settings are not acting as therapists or Connecticut policymakers and school districts (Figure providing professional advice, but instead provide general 1).13 A key feature of this CSMH approach is to build a information and support as a peer and explain and offer network of tiered supports. [...] has shown significant benefits in health and mental Peer support programs can be implemented within health outcomes for the recipients and the peer a CSMH approach to support student well-being and leaders, and the benefits may be particularly promising connect students with additional services as needed.