Project aware texas: strengthening school mental health - the texas education agency will implement aware texas: strengthening school mental health to pilot evidence-based practices that address…

Project aware texas: strengthening school mental health - the texas education agency will implement aware texas: strengthening school mental health to pilot evidence-based practices that address mental health challenges in three high-need school districts serving over 24,850 individuals over the five-year grant period; through september 2026. Aware (advancing wellness and resiliency in education) texas also seeks to develop statewide capacity to implement effective school mental health services and supports through evidence-based practices over the term of the grant. Overarching goals for the project include: (1) increase and improve access to school and community-based mental health services, particularly for students with symptoms of severe emotional disturbance (SED) or serious mental illness (SMI); (2) increase awareness and identification of mental health issues among all adults working with youth and promote positive mental health for students, families, school staff and community; (3) help students develop skills that will promote resilience, self-regulation and pro-social behaviors; avert development of mental and behavioral health disorders; and prevent youth violence; and (4) develop an infrastructure that will sustain services and build statewide capacity for promoting mental health awareness and evidence-based practices in schools. Aware texas is a collaboration between the texas education agency, the texas health and human services commission, the texas institute for excellence in mental health at the university of texas at austin, regional education service centers, local mental health authorities and local education agencies. The project will strengthen mental health partnerships between state agencies, community mental health providers, community service organizations, businesses, public schools, educators, families, and youth to support school mental health over a five-year period.