What can a mental health agency offer to the School or Squad?

A local mental health agency can strengthen the support system around your Hope Squad by helping establish clear referral pathways, coordinated support, crisis-response connections, and continuity of care for students who need additional services.

Hope Squad provides administrators with a microlesson and planning workbook to help school teams think through how referrals will work in practice, including who receives concerns, how students are connected to appropriate support, and how school and community partners coordinate follow-up.

Mental health agencies may also provide local resources, staff education, support for schoolwide prevention efforts, and, in some communities, funding or sponsorship for the school's Hope Squad.

Hope Squad schools are expected to maintain a partnership with a local mental health agency or crisis resource so that student referrals are supported by a clear, adult-led system of care.