CONNECTICUT SCHOOL-BASED DIVERSION INITIATIVE MANUAL

This manual summarizes the major activities of the Connecticut School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI); an initiative funded by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The manual is intended to aid communities in developing their own school based diversion programs with the goal of diverting youth with mental health needs who experience behavioral health concerns and crises in the school from entering the juvenile justice system.

The manual split into three parts. The first provides an introduction and offers various statements and documents that are useful for schools and communities in understanding the scope and goals of the initiative. The second section describes implementation steps and processes for establishing the initiative in a new school or community. The third section provides a training curriculum that can be used to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of school professionals in working with youth with mental health needs, and their families.