ABSTRACT

This chapter explores, through the lens of social justice, the critical role that integrated student supports play when supporting mental health challenges in children and adolescents. Not only has research shown that connecting school and community supports when providing care to students and adolescents improves student outcomes on a variety of levels, it can also further social justice work by offering culturally sustainable interventions and supports to students and families. As one would expect, the integration of various complex systems is a daunting enterprise. Conceptual frameworks are introduced and the translation of these frameworks into day-to-day practice through community-school partnerships discussed. These partnerships demonstrate how the goals of social justice can be realized at the ground level.