The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation is stepping up its mental health services for students. A memorandum of understanding with the Bowen Center was approved by the school board Tuesday.
Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin said the services would build on the efforts of the school guidance counselors and the recently-added social worker. “Now, we have an opportunity from the Bowen Center to have another extension, to have what we call a life skills coach, who would be here to work with some of our students,” Zupin explained. “And all we need to do is provide them the space for that and we have that, and allow them access to the children with parental permission. And all of the billing and invoice is done through Medicaid.”
Zupin said there are still some details to be worked out with the principals and counselors, but the Bowen Center plans to launch the program this school year. “It’s becoming more and more apparent that good mental health is critical to a child’s success at school,” Zupin added, “and schools offer a very good environment for us to address some of those needs.”
She noted that while the program is new to North Judson-San Pierre, a similar one seems to be having success at Knox High School.
