Parent Magazine Volusia/Flagler June 2019 | Page 10

Behavior Intervention Supports, earning the district “I think we’re seeing a lot of kids who had some needs
gold and silver level recognition. that can be addressed through the social worker,
Law enforcement does their part to help students
facing potential situations that could become triggers
for a crisis situation through their “Handle with Care”
program according to Brittany Kershaw, public affairs
manager for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Sheriff’s Office works closely with the SRDs
(School Resource Deputies) and the school district,” said
Kershaw. “A good example of that is the “Handle with
guidance counselor or mental health provider,” said
Executive Director Carrie Baird. “I think that for
kids that have pretty severe needs, there is a lack of
resources that are located in the county. Families are
having to travel outside of our county to get services,”
she said.
Recently released statistics on suicide have Baird and
colleagues on high alert.
Care” program. This program notifies SRD supervisors “Flagler has the highest suicide rate in the state, for
and school officials if a student is in a home involving all ages,” said Baird. “It’s predominantly older people,
a call for service in regards to violence in the home or but I think that as a sentinel indicator of mental health
if that student was Baker Acted after school hours. This issues, I think that our suicide rate is pretty alarming.”
allows the SRD to give more attention to that student,”
she said.
Healthcare providers like Halifax Health are creating
programs like the Connect 4 Hope Suicide Prevention
Added to the tool box is Flagler Cares – a consortium of initiative to help adolescents in Volusia and Flagler
agencies designed to address social service needs of the counties navigate challenging emotions through
community, all under a single umbrella. connections.
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