CHDI NEWSLETTER
Happy New Year!

CHDI would like to thank our many  partners and supporters dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. 

We wish you a very happy 
New Year and look forward to 
continued collaboration in 2019.

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The School-Based Diversion Initiative is Helping Nine Additional Schools This Year
Nine Connecticut schools in five districts are participating in the Connecticut School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI) during the 2018-19 school year, bringing the total number of schools served by SBDI to 47. SBDI is a school level intervention designed to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system by connecting students to community-based mental health services as an alternative to arrest. Participating schools were selected based on demonstrating a strong interest in reducing school arrests and addressing the behavioral health needs of their students. These schools serve a total of about 6,500 students.
  • Bristol Public Schools: Bristol Eastern High School & Bristol Prep Academy
  • East Windsor Public Schools: East Windsor Middle & East Windsor High School
  • Hartford Public Schools: Hartford Public High School
  • New Britain Public School: Pulaski Middle School & Slade Middle School
  • Torrington Public Schools: Torrington Middle & Torrington High School 
Click here to learn more about SBDI and how your school can participate in this free initiative.
Several Connecticut Schools Using SHAPE System to Assess and Improve Behavioral Health Services and Supports
CHDI is providing technical assistance to schools in Connecticut who are using, or exploring use of, the free on-line SHAPE system (School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation). The SHAPE system was developed by the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine to help schools assess their array of behavioral health services and supports for students, and identify plans for improving these services. The project is funded through a contract with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. To learn more about available technical assistance, contact CHDI's Director of School and Community Initiatives, Dr. Jeana Bracey (bracey@uchc.edu).
Advice for Parents to Help Children Cope with Trauma
Jason Lang, CHDI's Vice President for Mental Health Initiatives, spoke with the Hartford Courant about how parents can talk to their children about a traumatic event or loss of a classmate or friend. The article, "Talking to kids about violence can be difficult but not impossible,"  provides tips and resources for families related to trauma and grief.
Join Our Team: CHDI is Hiring 
Child Health and Development Institute
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