Support & Prevention Resources
Gilbert Public Schools believes that positive school environments that encourage social and emotional learning significantly impact the academic achievement and success of our students.
Elementary and secondary students are offered opportunities to participate in classes and schoolwide activities that focus on tobacco and substance abuse education, bullying prevention, life skills training, and other prevention-related activities.
The following is a list of several prevention programs implemented at Gilbert Public Schools, followed by a summary and links to websites with additional valuable information.
Providing comprehensive social-emotional learning support and mental health resources is vital to Gilbert Public Schools’ prevention program. There are social workers and mental health counselors assigned to K-12, providing specialized services to students and their families, as well as a social worker assigned to the district's alternative junior/high school to work with students and their families. School social workers and mental health counselors bring specialized knowledge and skills to the District and are an integral part of the student services support teams. They are instrumental in supporting the District’s mission for student success while collaborating with the home, school, and community to do so.
This guide is a brief listing of some of the providers available in and near Gilbert which is intended to connect residents with community assets, provide information about resources to improve quality of life, and offer access to information for residents who need services. You are encouraged to research and determine the best provider for your family. Gilbert Public Schools accepts no liability for the content of these resources or the consequences of any actions taken based on the information provided. Other resources may be available at Maricopa County Health & Social Services and Find Help Phoenix.
Note: It’s our goal to provide current and accurate information; however, businesses may have changed locations or contact information. Gilbert Public Schools does not endorse any provider nor evaluate the quality of service provided
Actionable Mental Health Resources
1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA’s National Helpline | Call for 24/7, free, and confidential information for individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues.
Dial 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 988 provides a connection to support for anyone experiencing a mental health-related crisis. It can be utilized for suicidal ideation, mental health crisis, substance-use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
Online Treatment Locator: Find quality treatment options close to home using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) confidential and anonymous online treatment locator.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) (42 U.S.C. § 11431-11435) is federal legislation that ensures the educational rights and protections of children and youths experiencing homelessness. It requires all local educational agencies (LEAs) to ensure that homeless students have access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschools, as provided to other children and youths. The McKinney-Vento Act defines LEAs as public school districts, direct-funded and locally funded charter schools, and county offices of education. The McKinney-Vento Act also authorizes the funding for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program.
It provides stability, access, and support for the academic success of homeless children and youth.
Helpful Links:
- Arizona Department of Education Homeless Education
- The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
Contact the Gilbert Public Schools Homeless Education Liaison at 480-545-2193 should you have any questions or need assistance.
As part of our commitment to prevention education, Gilbert Public Schools offers depression awareness and suicide prevention training as part of the SOS (Signs of Suicide) Prevention Program.
The program has proven to be successful at increasing help-seeking by students concerned about themselves or a friend and is the only school-based suicide prevention program listed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as an evidence-based program. It helps students and adults demystify the confusion around what constitutes normal development and what may be a potentially serious issue.
All of our campus Behavioral Health Team professionals (school social workers, psychologists, nurses, and counselors) in the district will support the facilitation of the curriculum.
Please review the resources listed below to learn more about the SOS program at each level. The elementary school presentation is provided for your information, and the link for the junior high and high school programs is listed below with the login information. The link will allow you to access valuable information about the presentations, as well as resources on the warning signs of suicide, anxiety, depression, and tips on how to talk to your children about mental health.
- GPS Student Support & Prevention Programs
- Suicide & Depression Prevention, Awareness, & Resources
- GPS Student Support & Prevention: School Social Worker & Mental Health Counselor Directory