School district employees to receive youth mental health first aid training

The training is mandated by the state as part of Senate Bill 7026, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.

By Jonathan Simmons
| 2:50 p.m. February 5, 2019

Flagler School Board members Andy Dance, Janet McDonald and Trevor Tucker (File photo)

Palm Coast Observer
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Complying with state mandates passed after the school shooting in Parkland, Flagler Schools will send eight staff members for youth mental health first aid training offered by the National Council for Behavioral Health.

Funding is being provided through state's Multiagency Service Network for Students with Severe Emotional Disturbance (SEDNET).

"It’s meant to help faculty and staff identify students who are in need mental health support," John Fanelli, the district's coordinator of student and behavior supports, told the School Board at its Feb. 5 workshop.

The Flagler Schools staff will be attending alongside a team of staff members from the Putnam County School District.

When they return, the staff members who attended the training session will train other school staff members, including the schools' mental health counselors, social workers and school psychologists, Fanelli said.