Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

TP10 - Behavioral Health Partnership Program: Strengthening Skills and Behavioral Health Awareness in Texas Schools

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM CT

Location: Exhibit Hall, Hall 3, Level 1, ACCC

Poster Presenter(s)

YR

Yvonne Rivas, MSW (she/her/hers)

Program Specialist V
Health and Human Services Commission
Austin, Texas
Amanda Peters Britton, MEd, LPC, NCC (she/her/hers)

Children's Mental Health Manager
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Midland, Texas

In 2019, the Texas Legislature introduced, the Behavioral Health Partnership Program, championed by HHSC, in response to the need for trauma-informed services for children and families in school and community settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. BHPP not only equips school personnel with vital behavioral health training but also guides them on accessing Local Mental Health Authorities and other community resources, ensuring seamless connections for children and families with complex mental health needs. This presentation unveils BHPP's journey in Texas, showcasing its transformative impact on school district competence and its influence on communities by promoting behavioral health awareness.

Learning Objectives:

Comprehensive Program Understanding: By the end of the presentation, participants will gain a thorough understanding of the Behavioral Health Partnership Program, including its inception, goals, and key components.
Assess and analyze the BHPP program's impact on school district competence and its positive outcomes in local communities, particularly in enhancing behavioral health awareness among families.
Attendees will have gleaned valuable lessons from BHPP's journey in Texas, enabling them to apply these insights to the planning and execution of future initiatives related to behavioral health awareness.